‘Gaun Gaun Bata Uth’ Resonates in Toronto: Amrit Gurung Stresses New Generation Must Remember the Song’s Essence

Summary: Despite being in the fourth stage of cancer, 22-year-old Riya Basnet managed to attend and dance at Nepathya’s concert. Tickets for Nepathya’s Canada tour Toronto concert had sold out two weeks in advance. The band is preparing for another event on April 18 at London Music Hall in Ontario after the Toronto show.
Toronto, Canada – As audiences left Queen Elizabeth Theatre, their faces shone with joy. Yet none were as deeply satisfied as 22-year-old Riya Basnet. Battling stage-four ovarian cancer, Riya had undergone two surgeries and multiple therapies. Attending her favorite band’s concert was a significant challenge. Standing was difficult, dancing almost impossible. Yet on Monday evening, she arrived at the packed hall in Toronto. Uncomfortable sitting, she was helped to a spot where she could stand and dance.
“Because of my physical condition, I was different from other dancing spectators,” said Riya, a business graduate living in Canada from Birtamod, Jhapa. “I was battling myself in every moment of what had been a dream since childhood.” Her cancer has also affected her mental health; she now needs medication for depression. “How can I express the value of a little light in deep darkness?” Riya reflected. “I will cherish this moment as if it were my last breath of life.”

The show in the bustling business city of Toronto had sold out tickets two weeks prior. Though the crowd had similar vibrant energy, individual circumstances varied. Sonia Tiwari, a third-generation Nepali family member residing in North America, had never attended a Nepali concert before.
“Before I was born, Nepathya’s songs played at home, and I grew up listening to those songs,” Sonia shared. “I never imagined how much energy Amrit Gurung spreads to every spectator on stage, touching the soul.” She praised how professionally and meticulously the Nepali event was organized. Because of this experience, after the concert ended, the audience hesitated to leave, chanting “Nepathya, Nepathya” for a long time as Nepali flags waved everywhere.
The songs themselves and the messages they carried energized the crowd, especially Amrit Gurung’s remarks before performing “Gaun Gaun Bata Uth.”
“This song played in every movement that brought change to Nepal’s government,” Amrit said before the performance. “However, those who repeatedly came to power have forgotten the song’s essence.” When Amrit referenced the “recent Gen-Z movement,” the hall erupted in applause.
“The new generation must not forget this song’s meaning. Written by Shyam Tamot in opposition to the Panchayat system and sung by Manjul-Ramesh, this song reminds us that if mistakes are repeated, Nepalis will rise again from every village and settlement with the same vigilance.”
The audience responded with wholehearted agreement and enthusiasm.
Throughout the concert, the artists received continuous encouragement and energy from the crowd.
“Songs played one after another, allowing me to immerse myself in nostalgic memories,” said Sameer Shrestha, a medical lab technician from Kathmandu attending the concert in Toronto.
Many spectators came from afar to see Nepathya’s performance in Toronto, including Anup Ghimire from Vancouver.
“This was my first time experiencing a Nepathya concert,” said Anup, who graduated in communications from Pokhara. “From the presentation to the atmosphere and organized program, I didn’t feel like I had traveled far.”
Ujjwala Pradhan, a graduate of George Brown College, said the concert reminded them of their roots.
“It was like a sweet story blending excitement and past memories,” she observed. “Nepathya carried their environment and made us feel a sense of home.” Ujjwala, who came from Sikkim, recalled how the band’s energetic performance made all the audience jump and dance.
The band concluded their show with the song “Rato Ra Chandrasuraj.” On stage, Amrit was supported by Dhruv Lama (drums), Subin Shakya (bass guitar), Neeraj Gurung (guitar), Shanti Rayamajhi (madal), and Dineshraj Regmi (keyboard).
“Such a Nepali performance on foreign soil is rare,” said organizer Chiring Sherpa, expressing pride in hosting a concert that brought so much joy to the audience.
After this performance, the 14-member team of artists, technicians, and management will travel to London, Ontario, for the tour’s final show scheduled for April 18 at London Music Hall, approximately two hundred kilometers from Toronto. Since tickets at the Elizabeth Hall had sold out, organizers expect Toronto’s audience to attend the London concert as well. Tickets can be purchased online through arrangements made by Nepalaya, with reservations available via Nepathya’s official website.