Youth Activism Essential to Democracy, Says BJP Leader in Nepal

Ravi Shankar Prasad, a prominent BJP parliamentarian, underscored the significance of youth-led protests as a vital component of democratic participation during his address at the NDTV Anveksha summit in Kathmandu. The senior Indian politician's remarks came as part of a broader discussion on engaging Nepal's younger demographic and fostering stronger connections between the two nations.

Prasad's comments reflect growing attention to the role of Generation Z in shaping political discourse across South Asia. He positioned youth activism not as a challenge to democratic institutions but as an integral expression of democratic values, a stance aimed at encouraging constructive engagement with younger citizens.

The BJP leader also drew attention to religious tourism as a significant avenue for deepening bilateral relations between India and Nepal. Such tourism initiatives, he suggested, offer cultural and economic benefits that can strengthen people-to-people connections between the two neighboring countries.

The remarks come amid broader efforts by Indian political figures to engage with Nepal's younger population and counter narratives that present youth activism solely as a challenge to governance. The summit provided a platform for dialogue on how democratic institutions can better incorporate youth voices while maintaining stability and development objectives.