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Anand Mahindra bashed for ‘Romanticising’ hardship of PhD student

Anand Mahindra was slammed on social media for “romanticizing” the struggle of a PhD candidate. The Chennai scholar runs a food cart in the evening.

By Ishita Ganguly
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Anand Mahindra slammed for “romanticizing” the struggle of a scholar

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Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group got backlashed on social media for “romanticizing” the struggle of a PhD candidate.

The auto billionaire is often seen sharing inspiring tales and real incidents on X (formerly Twitter). Recently, he praised a biotechnology doctorate candidate from Chennai for running a food cart and was called out by netizens.

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Who is Tarul Rayan?

Tarul Rayan, the Chennai doctorate has been featured by American vlogger Christopher Lewis, who encountered Rayan’s food stall during his visit to Chennai.

Rayan, even though a PhD runs a food cart in the evening. The vlogger filmed their interaction while trying cutlets and other dishes served by the scholar from a cart.

Lewis was impressed that the Indian doctorate was doing a part-time food business along with academic work. During their conversation, Rayan insisted Lewis search for his name online to showcase his research papers and not his food business which is already listed on Google Maps.

Mahindra's reaction

Mahindra shared the video and tweeted: “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!”

Netizens respond

Most netizens have taken the billionaire’s remark in a negative light. 

One said:  "Romanticism of people's hardship in the name of nationalism"

Another X user wrote: "It's a shame Anand Mahindra celebrates poverty porn instead of asking the government to give reasonable stipends to its researcher.”

A third user commented: "Food blogger is Desi Chris. But more than romanticising this, we should be concerned about the status of research scholars in India. Had they been provided with correct stipend, he should [sic] have supported himself better."

Mahindra was even urged to consider if he would have suggested his children run a food cart after doing an MBA. "Will you have your son/daughter do a MBA & then ask them to put a Thella ? Then why sensationalizing it ?” 

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