Prajakta Koli, who is recognized by millions as MostlySane, has earned a reputation not only as one of India’s most beloved content creators but also as the person who tells it like it is when she needs to. From lighthearted sketches on YouTube to powerful performances on screen, she has always found a way to connect with her audience. This week, however, Prajakta shared a note that had nothing to do with laughter, films, or even her personal milestones. Instead, it was a heartfelt message about Nepal, a country she was supposed to visit but won’t because of the turmoil unfolding there.
“My Heart Goes Out to the Families”
On Tuesday, Prajakta took to Instagram Stories to announce that she had cancelled her much-awaited trip to Nepal. The reason? The violent protests that have shaken the Himalayan nation over the past week.
“What happened in Nepal yesterday is truly heartbreaking. Any form of celebration at such a time feels inappropriate,” she wrote. She went on to explain how she was looking forward to meeting people in Nepal, but now felt it wasn’t the right moment. “Hopefully, I’ll get to see you all very soon,” she added, ending her note with compassion and solidarity.
For Prajakta, whose content has always resonated with young audiences across South Asia, this was not a casual decision. It was not a big thing to cancel a foreign trip, but to her, it was a gesture of respect that recognized the fact that one could not celebrate when an adjoining country was submerged in grief.
A Nation in Turmoil
Nepal, otherwise renowned for its serene landscapes, trekking routes, and religious sanctuaries, is currently being governed by anarchy. What started as outrage on the web intensified to countrywide protests when the government announced that it would block popular social media sites Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Reddit, and X for not registering with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
The crackdown hit at the very heart of Gen Z, who had already utilized these platforms to call out corruption and inequality through the viral “nepo kid” campaign. The government’s action was perceived not only as censorship but also as a blow to freedom of speech. Within days, peaceful protests turned violent.
Reports suggest that at least 19 people have lost their lives so far. On Tuesday, protestors went as far as setting fire to the Parliament, the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s residence, and even the Supreme Court. Homes of senior political leaders were not spared. One of the most poignant episodes involved setting fire to the house of ex-prime minister Jhalanath Khanal. His wife later succumbed to injuries caused by burns, a testament to how quickly political anger turns into personal devastation.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned as the crisis intensified, but his resignation has done little to calm the storm. National security has since been taken over by the Nepal Army, an action that many fear will further exacerbate tensions.
Voices of Solidarity
Prajakta Koli isn’t alone in speaking up. Veteran actor Manisha Koirala, who hails from Nepal, also took to social media to express her anguish. She shared the image of a blood-soaked shoe, a stark and painful symbol of the violence on the streets, and called it a “black day” for her homeland. Her message, written in Nepali, translates to: “When bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption, and demand for justice, it is a black day for Nepal.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, calling the violence “heart-rending.” He appealed to the people of Nepal to support peace and emphasized how important the country’s stability is for the entire region.
Looking Ahead
The streets of Nepal are still tense, and the future is uncertain. Although the government has removed the contentious social media ban, the harm is already done. The protests are now not just about online spaces or apps; they are now about dignity, justice, and people’s right to voice their truth.
For the time being, one thing remains certain: Nepal must heal. The families who lost their relatives must be supported. The citizens must be reassured that their voice will not be suppressed once more. And the world must listen, not only when the brutality commands headlines but also during the quieter weeks of reconstruction that ensue.
Prajakta’s message may not silence the protests immediately or mend the wounds instantly, but it is a testament to the strength of empathy during times of turmoil. In her own small way, she decided to remain stationary when the rest of the world around her was on fire, and quite often, that in itself proved to be more powerful than we know.