'Incredible, unique, Indian': Anand Mahindra lauds viral PhD food vendor from Chennai. See post

Anand Mahindra shared his thoughts, commending Tarul Rayan’s balance between academics and business.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, recently praised a PhD candidate from Chennai who gained attention for balancing his academic pursuits while running a food cart. Tarul Rayan, a biotechnology doctorate candidate, was featured in a viral video shared by American vlogger Christopher Lewis, who encountered Rayan’s food stall during his visit to the city.

In September, Lewis filmed his interaction with Rayan while sampling dishes such as Chicken 65 and chicken cutlets, which were served from the vendor’s humble cart. However, what left Lewis most impressed was Rayan’s dedication to both his academic work and his part-time food business. During their conversation, Rayan asked the vlogger to search for his name online, not to highlight media coverage of his stall, but to showcase his research papers.

“Google my name,” Rayan had said, prompting Lewis to assume he was referring to articles on his food venture. But Rayan clarified, directing him instead to his academic research, which is available online. The vlogger’s video quickly gained widespread attention, with many viewers applauding Rayan for his commitment to both his studies and entrepreneurship.

In response to the viral clip, Mahindra shared his thoughts, commending Rayan’s balance between academics and business. “This clip went viral a while ago. An American vlogger discovers a PhD candidate running a food stall, part-time. What struck me as truly special, however, was the end, when he picks up his phone and 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,” Mahindra wrote.

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 hes going to show him social media mentions of his pic.twitter.com/e9zMizTJwG
anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) October 4, 2024

Rayan’s journey serves as an example of how individuals can pursue higher education while managing entrepreneurial responsibilities. His story resonated with many, including Mahindra, for its message of perseverance and dedication, highlighting the possibility of thriving in multiple areas of life.