Gen Z martyr Vijay’s sister demands memorial

KATHMANDU: As the grand festival of Jitiya, celebrated by the eastern Tharu community, was approaching, Sushila Chaudhary received a phone call that would change her life forever.

Around 11 a.m. on Bhadra 24 (Sept 9), her younger brother Vijay Chaudhary called her, casually checking in and inviting her to come to Kathmandu to celebrate Jitiya and go sightseeing.

Sushila, who lives in Hetauda, told him she would visit after the Gen Z movement calmed down. She even urged him not to join the protests and to stay home.

But only a few hours later, devastating news followed.

Sushila received a frantic call from Vijay’s wife. “Didi, when I call Vijay, someone else is picking up. They say he has been shot and taken to Civil Hospital. What should I do?” she cried.

Vijay had been shot in the chest while he was behind the Parliament building in New Baneshwor.

Unable to travel that same day, Sushila reached Kathmandu the next day with one of Vijay’s friends. They searched every ward at Civil Hospital—but Vijay was nowhere to be found. Someone suggested checking Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

It was there that Sushila finally found her brother—lifeless.

“Our Family’s Only Pillar Has Fallen”

Overwhelmed with grief, Sushila says her brother carried the entire family on his shoulders.

“He had taken responsibility for everything. He educated our elder brother. He built our house by taking loans. He even supported me financially for my wedding. Our family’s only pillar has collapsed,” she said, breaking down.

Vijay, 26, was the youngest son of Hariprasad and Jaleshwori Chaudhary from Lahan Municipality–15, Siraha. For the past 10 years, he had been living in Kathmandu’s Jadibuti area, working as an electrician.

Born into a poor farming family, Vijay had to quit his studies after completing +2 so he could support his family. Though he couldn’t continue his own education, he made it his mission to educate his elder brother, Ajay, helping him complete his engineering degree.

Now, after Vijay’s death, the Chaudhary family is drowning in grief and uncertainty. Ajay, who recently completed engineering, is desperately searching for a job.

“People Called Them Ram and Laxman”

Villagers often admired the two brothers, saying they looked alike and were inseparable—just like Ram and Laxman from the Ramayana.

“They were so close, so respectful, so kind,” people used to say.

And it was true. Vijay was known for his responsibility, humility, and warm nature. He was beloved by everyone. To his parents, he was a jewel.

Now, even talking about him is painful for Ajay.

“I was never the kind of person who cried. But his death has made me cry again and again. When he was around, there was no stress. Now, everything feels broken,” Ajay said, his voice shaking.

Sometimes, Ajay imagines a machine that could bring people back to life.

“If only I could see my brother alive again. He was skilled. He earned well. He handled everything. He educated me. Who else has lost as much as I have?” he said before falling silent.

A Family Left Behind

Vijay’s cousin, Amit Chaudhary, remembers him as an honest and dedicated man.

“He fought for the nation. The government must ensure that his family receives everything it promised,” he said.

Vijay’s father suffers from asthma. His mother’s health is also fragile. With Vijay gone, their three-year-old daughter’s future now hangs in uncertainty.

Sushila believes the government must step in.

“His wife should be given employment. His daughter’s higher education and health insurance should be guaranteed,” she said.

A Martyr of the Gen Z Movement

Vijay Chaudhary, who lost his life during the Gen Z movement, now lives only in memories.

“He took care of everything. We know he will never return. But at least the government should build a statue at the place where he was killed,” Sushila said.

For the Chaudhary family, Jitiya will never feel the same again.