Lalitpur, Sept. 18 -- "We must fight corrupt leaders and corruption. If not now, when? If I die, declare me a martyr; if not, I'll just be a body. If I fall, don't let the republic's light go out," Binod Maharjan, 30, from Dupat Tole, Patan, told friends just before joining the Gen Z protest.

Binod was fearless and outspoken, intolerant of injustice, and uninterested in marriage. He believed young people should lead movements to change the system. His long hair and beard drew attention, but his words left a lasting impact.

On September 8, during the Gen Z protest, Binod was at the front of the crowd approaching the Parliament building when a police bullet struck his head. He collapsed instantly and never regained consciousness.

"He spo...