16th September 2025, Kathmandu
In an age where social media storms can build and break reputations in a matter of hours, a poignant conversation is emerging from the heart of Nepal.
Sudhan Gurung Controversy
The recent wave of public criticism directed at Sudhan Gurung has sparked an unexpected defense from those who knew him best, urging a re-evaluation of how we measure character and contribution.
At the center of this dialogue are two powerful voices: his former school principal, Rishiram Ghimire, and a well-meaning classmate, Osin Adhikari.
Their collective message is a plea to move beyond knee-jerk criticism and embrace a culture of respect and recognition for those who dedicate themselves to a cause.
The Principal’s Perspective: A Satiated Society?
Principal Rishiram Ghimire of Kalika Sanskar Kulam Boarding School, where Sudhan Gurung passed his SLC examinations, took a firm stand against the prevailing negativity.
In a commentary that resonates deeply with the current social climate, Ghimire challenges a long-held, pessimistic belief that “this country has been cursed by Sati.”
Instead of surrendering to this fatalistic mindset, he advocates for a proactive approach. “We should move forward with whatever contributions we can make,” he writes, pushing for a shift from passive criticism to active contribution.
Ghimire’s words are a direct challenge to the modern tendency to tear down others without a second thought. He argues that a healthy society is not built on a foundation of constant critique but on a culture of respect for “selfless and sacrificial individuals.”
He asserts that true societal progress is not driven by empty rituals or worship but by the genuine “respect and recognition of genuine dedication and sacrifice.” The principal’s statement serves as a powerful reminder that while it’s easy to point out flaws, it takes a more profound commitment to acknowledge and uplift those who work tirelessly for a greater good.
The Classmate’s Testimony: A Glimpse into a Pure Heart
Adding a deeply personal layer to the conversation is the testimony of Osin Adhikari, a former classmate who shared a hostel with Gurung at the Kalika Boarding School.
Adhikari’s emotional account begins by addressing the question that has been trending across social media: “Who is Sudhan Gurung?” His response is a heartfelt defense of the person he knew—a “gentle-hearted student with deep spiritual faith.”
Adhikari paints a vivid picture of their time at the school in Jyotinagar, Bharatpur, an area surrounded by the hard work of farmers and the richness of fertile land.
He recalls a specific, unforgettable moment that captures the essence of Gurung’s character. Seeing oxen ploughing under the “scorching sun,” a young Gurung was so moved by their plight that he stopped the farmer, embraced the animals, and asked them with genuine concern, “‘Humans have forced you to plough so hard in this blazing sun.
What did you eat this morning? How is your health now?'” Adhikari recalls this moment of pure empathy before Gurung “kissed them on the forehead.”
This anecdote is a powerful counter-narrative to the public scrutiny. It reveals a man of profound compassion, someone who felt a deep connection to all living beings, from a young age.
Adhikari was so compelled by the injustice of the criticism that he felt it his duty to share this story, urging his and Gurung’s contemporaries to spread the message and, in his words, serve “at least a little justice.”
What Society Needs to Progress
The combined statements of Principal Ghimire and Osin Adhikari offer a critical perspective on modern discourse. They challenge the prevailing culture of pessimism and unyielding criticism, urging us to look beyond the surface and acknowledge the true character of an individual.
Their defense of Sudhan Gurung is not just about one person; it is a broader call to action for a society that often prefers to tear down rather than build up.
The message is clear: instead of clinging to the thought that our country is cursed, we must work to make our own contributions. Instead of merely criticizing, we must cultivate a culture of respect and recognition.
As the principal and classmate have shown, true progress comes not from an empty worship of ideals but from the genuine acknowledgment and support of those who embody them through selfless acts and unwavering dedication.
The question now is whether the public will heed this call to action and re-evaluate what truly matters.
For more: Sudhan Gurung Controversy