By Omay Aimen
Nepal rejects Indian media—and the world is watching. In a region where borders are contested not just by maps but also by narratives, Nepali citizens have emerged as a powerful force of resistance. Across Kathmandu and beyond, they have risen with clarity and conviction against the intrusive messaging pushed by Modi-aligned outlets, especially those branded as Godi Media. Rather than absorbing manufactured distortions, the people of Nepal have exposed and rejected attempts to undermine their sovereignty. This defiance is not just a reaction to propaganda; it is a deliberate assertion of truth, dignity, and independence. As Nepal rejects Indian media more decisively than ever, expansionist ambitions disguised as journalism are losing ground to grassroots truth-telling.
This confrontation stems from the Indian media’s persistent attempts to impose the so-called Akhand Bharat agenda. These outlets have repeatedly framed Nepal within a broader narrative of subordination. Over the years, this propaganda has intensified—especially with the rise of Hindutva politics in India, which seeks to reshape South Asia’s map to fit its ideological vision. In particular, Indian media tried to delegitimize Nepal’s internal youth-led movements by branding them as foreign-driven or destabilizing. Yet the people of Nepal refused to fall into this trap. Instead of accepting India’s hegemonic lens, they declared their independence of thought. Every attempt to rewrite their reality through propaganda met with firm resistance.
Importantly, this rejection is not isolated. Rather, it draws strength from Nepal’s long history of resisting domination—whether colonial pressures, territorial encroachments, or economic manipulation. The present moment, therefore, confirms that the people remain steadfast in defending their right to define their own destiny.
As the campaign of lies unfolded, ordinary Nepalis grew increasingly vocal. Demonstrators confronted Indian journalists directly. They exposed their complicity in advancing Modi’s political project instead of reporting the truth. Citizens challenged them bluntly. Many argued that India should first address its own injustices, poverty, inequality, and rising intolerance before lecturing others. Consequently, this candid rejection shows that propaganda loses its grip when people recognize its intent and respond with collective defiance.
For the Nepali public, Indian media now symbolize blind servility to Modi’s government. These outlets have already lost credibility within India due to their alignment with power. Now, the fact that this disrepute has crossed into neighbouring countries marks a new low for India’s media diplomacy. What once passed as soft influence has turned into hard rejection, leaving behind a trail of damaged relations.
Beyond the protests, the larger implication lies in the erosion of India’s narrative-building power across South Asia. For decades, Indian media positioned itself as an opinion-shaper in the region, framing issues to suit New Delhi’s strategic interests. However, the boycott by the Nepali public signals that this strategy is failing.
In today’s digital age, alternative voices travel faster than state-controlled narratives. As a result, propaganda no longer goes unchallenged. The Nepali example proves that sovereignty in the information sphere is just as vital as sovereignty on borders. Resisting disinformation, in this context, becomes an act of national dignity.
Ultimately, Nepal’s rejection of Godi Media’s lies is not just a media boycott. It is a symbolic act of reclaiming narrative independence. Smaller states, therefore, are no longer willing to tolerate ideological colonization—no matter how aggressively it’s wrapped in the language of journalism.
