In Memory of the Lives We Lost
September 7, 2026 | Burtibang, Baglung
Riverhead English Secondary Boarding School observed a solemn moment of remembrance today, paying heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of Nepal’s Gen Z movement and to the many people who lost their lives in the recent devastating Bhote Koshi River floods.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the National Flag of Nepal was lowered to half-mast at the school. Students, teachers and members of the school community gathered together in silence, offered prayers for the departed souls and lit candles in their memory.
Remembering the Gen Z Martyrs
The Gen Z movement of September 8–9, 2025 became an important and painful chapter in Nepal’s recent history. Young people took to the streets raising their voices on issues including good governance, corruption and accountability.
The demonstrations and the events that followed resulted in a tragic loss of life. The Government of Nepal subsequently officially recognized 45 individuals as martyrs.
As Nepal prepares to observe September 8 as Gen Z Martyrs’ Day, the Riverhead family remembers those young lives with profound respect.
Their deaths remind us that the hopes, voices and aspirations of young people matter. As an educational institution, we believe that the greatest tribute we can offer them is to educate a generation that values peace, responsibility, justice, dialogue, compassion and service to the nation.
Remembering the Victims of the Bhote Koshi Flood
Our prayers also went to the victims of the catastrophic Bhote Koshi River flood that struck on August 26, 2026.
The disaster caused enormous loss of human life and widespread destruction. Communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and other areas along the river system were severely affected, with houses, roads, bridges, hydropower facilities and other vital infrastructure damaged or destroyed.
Even today, search, rescue, relief and identification efforts continue as many families face the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones or waiting for news of those still missing.
September 7 has been observed nationally as a day of mourning for the flood victims, with Nepal’s National Flag flown at half-mast as the country remembers those whose lives were taken by the disaster.
Candles of Remembrance and Hope
At Riverhead, each candle lit today carried a simple but powerful message:
You are remembered.
We prayed for the eternal peace of all those who lost their lives. We prayed for parents who lost their children, children who lost their parents, families who lost loved ones, and communities whose homes and livelihoods have been devastated.
We also prayed that those who are still waiting for news of missing family members may find strength, and that rescue personnel, volunteers, security forces, health workers and everyone involved in relief efforts remain safe.
Our thoughts are especially with the families whose grief cannot be expressed in words.
A Lesson Beyond the Classroom
Education is not limited to textbooks and examinations. It is also about teaching our children humanity, compassion, responsibility and respect for life.
Today’s observance allowed our students to understand the importance of standing together as a nation during times of tragedy.
Lowering the National Flag, observing silence, offering prayers and lighting candles were small acts, but they represented something much greater — respect for those we have lost and solidarity with those who continue to suffer.
May the sacrifices of the Gen Z martyrs always be remembered.
May every person who lost their life in the devastating floods find eternal peace.
May the bereaved families receive courage and strength to endure their immeasurable loss.
And may Nepal move forward with greater unity, compassion, responsibility and hope.
हार्दिक श्रद्धाञ्जली।
May all the departed souls rest in eternal peace.
— Riverhead English Secondary Boarding School
Burtibang, Baglung