Sudan Gurung, the founder of Hami Nepal, is a young civic activist who has recently become a prominent figure in Nepal’s youth-led Gen-Z protests. Now in his mid-30s, (36 years) Gurung’s journey toward activism began after the devastating 2015 earthquake. Before that, he lived a very different life—working in event management, DJing, and even running a nightclub in Kathmandu’s Thamel area (The Economic Times). Hami Nepal, which was officially registered around 2020 and now counts more than 1,600 members. The organization has since been active in emergency relief during floods, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as in international relief operations, awareness campaigns, and, more recently, youth activism against government restrictions on social media.
image source: https://newbusinessage.com/news/14516/hami-nepal-pledges-to-maintain-transparency-through-its-website/
As part of its effort to institutionalize transparency, Hami Nepal organized its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bhaktapur. During this event, the organization launched a new website. The AGM also served as a platform to honor major donors and supporters who have helped Hami Nepal grow. Among the guests recognized were renowned eye surgeon Dr. Sanduk Ruit, businessman Deepak Bhatta, Infinity Holdings director Upendra Hirawat, and Shanker Group executives Sulav Agrawal and Sahil Agrawal.
The presence of these donors, however, has stirred some debate. Deepak Bhatta has been linked in investigative reports to controversial arms procurement deals for the Nepal Police, with allegations of overpricing and lack of transparency. He is supposed to be the mastermind behind controversial arms procurement deal for Nepal Police (myrepublica). Upendra Hirawat, also of Infinity Holdings, has not been directly implicated in corruption cases, but his association with the company ties him indirectly to its controversies.
Sulav Agrawal (Vice Chairman, Shankar / Shanker Group) is honored; listed as a donor or supporter. He was Arrested in April 2020 on charges of black-marketing / overpricing of thermal guns during the COVID-19 period. It is a documented legal case / police action. He was released on bail.(thehimalayantimes).