The Leaders
True leadership is defined not by authority or titles, but by a relationship of trust earned through direction, alignment, and commitment. Globally, people value leaders who exhibit self-control, integrity, and transparent communication, viewing a leader’s ability to govern themselves as a prerequisite for governing others. In Nepal, these universal traits blend with the cultural concept of dharma, where leaders are expected to be righteous guardians of a diverse community. However, a significant gap exists between this ideal and the reality of political corruption, leading to a "crisis of legitimacy." This friction peaked in the 2025 youth-led protests, where Gen Z demanded a shift toward digital transparency, personal "cleanliness" from corruption, and inclusion, proving that while authority can be assigned from above, true leadership must be granted from below.