A heartwarming video featuring a surprising interaction between an American vlogger, Chris Lewis, and a street vendor in Chennai has captured the attention of the internet.
In the viral clip, Lewis, on a quest to taste the region’s famous Chicken 65, stumbles upon a small food stall he found via Google Maps. What he discovers next, however, takes him by surprise.
As Lewis begins chatting with the vendor, named Rayan, he learns that Rayan is not just a street food seller but a PhD student pursuing biotechnology.
Rayan shared that he started his food stall 13 years ago when he was just 16 years old. Today, he balances his academic journey and his food business, demonstrating his determination and passion for both fields.
The video, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, has sparked a wave of reactions. Many users have applauded Rayan’s hard work and perseverance, sending him messages of encouragement and best wishes for his future endeavors. Others expressed admiration for his commitment to his studies while managing a small business.
The story gained even more traction after business magnate Anand Mahindra reshared the video on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Mahindra’s post highlighted what he found most remarkable about Rayan’s story.
He wrote, “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 & 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.”
Anand Mahindra’s post had already received 1 million views, which also sparked renewed interest in the original video, drawing even more viewers to witness Rayan’s inspiring story.
One user wrote,”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.”