Watch: Anand Mahindra praises PhD student running a food stall

Anand Mahindra , the chairman of Mahindra Group , has taken to social media to praise a viral PhD food vendor from Chennai. The video, which has garnered significant attention online, showcases the student's dedication to his culinary venture. Mahindra expressed his admiration for the student's entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore different paths.

Read the post here“This clip went viral a while ago. An American vlogger discovers a Ph.D candidate running a food stall , part-time. What struck me as truly special, however, was the end, when he picks up his phone & the vlogger thinks he’s going to show him social media mentions of his stall—but instead, he proudly shows him online the research papers he has authored! Incredible. Unique. Indian,” posted Mahindra while sharing the video clip of Tarul Rayan , a doctoral student in biotechnology.

This clip went viral a while ago.

An American vlogger discovers a Ph.D candidate running a food stall, part-time.

What struck me as truly special, however, was the end, when he picks up his phone & the vlogger thinks he’s going to show him social media mentions of his… pic.twitter.com/e9zMizTJwG

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 4, 2024

For those unaware, Tarul Rayan, a doctoral student in biotechnology, unexpectedly gained online fame after being featured in a viral video by American vlogger Christopher Lewis. Lewis stumbled upon Rayan's food stall during his travels in the city and was immediately impressed by the delicious food and the student's entrepreneurial spirit.


User reactions
While some have praised the student's initiative, others have questioned his choice to temporarily pause his research. Here are some of the user reactions:

“No offense, this is not a great video. It's great he's working, but a PhD should use his skills in research, not just selling food. We've failed to provide him a setting where he can truly apply his education.”

No offense, this is not a great video. It's great he's working, but a PhD should use his skills in research, not just selling food. We've failed to provide him a setting where he can truly apply his education.

— Amit Shukla (@ashuklax) October 4, 2024

“YES he is selling food, YES may be the system has let him down, YES such talented individuals should get what they deserve...........BUT the best thing is the PRIDE with which Rayan is handling the situation.”

YES he is selling food, YES may be the system has let him down, YES such talented individuals should get what they deserve...........BUT the best thing is the PRIDE with which Rayan is handling the situation.

— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) October 4, 2024

“What nonsense is this @anandmahindra Stop sensationalizing the failures of Indian Gov where it cant give a Job to a PHD holder & is now has to earn by a food stall. Will you have your son/daughter do a MBA & then ask them to put a Thella ? Then why sensationalizing it?”

What nonsense is this @anandmahindra 🤷‍♂️

Stop sensationalizing the failures of Indian Gov where it cant give a Job to a PHD holder & is now has to earn by a food stall.

Will you have your son/daughter do a MBA & then ask them to put a Thella ? Then why sensationalizing it ?

— Gss🇮🇳 (@Gss_Views) October 4, 2024

“This story showcases the incredible resilience of Indians. A PhD candidate running a food stall part-time and proudly sharing his research instead of social media praise speaks volumes about dedication. Truly embodies the spirit of hard work and excellence!”

This story showcases the incredible resilience of Indians. A PhD candidate running a food stall part-time and proudly sharing his research instead of social media praise speaks volumes about dedication. Truly embodies the spirit of hard work and excellence!

— Deepak Arora (@iAroraDeepak) October 4, 2024