Chennai's PhD food vendor has Anand Mahindra's attention for a 'truly special' reason

Tarul Rayan, a PhD food vendor from Chennai, is a doctorate candidate in biotechnology who went viral in September.

In Short

• Anand Mahindra praised PhD food vendor from Chennai
• Vlogger Christopher Lewis had shared viral video of Tarul Rayan
• Mahindra called Rayan's story 'Incredible. Unique. Indian'

Industrialist Anand Mahindra posted an appreciation note for a PhD food vendor from Chennai who went viral in September after appearing in a video shared by an American vlogger.

Christopher Lewis spotted Tarul Rayan’s food cart while touring Chennai and documented their interaction in a vlog that was widely circulated on social media. Of course, Lewis was impressed by the dishes - Chicken 65 and chicken cutlets - prepared by Rayan, but more than that, it was his dedication that left Lewis amazed.

Rayan, a doctorate candidate in biotechnology, has been running his food cart in Chennai while pursuing his academic goals. In the video that went viral, Rayan not only discussed the food he was offering but also asked Lewis to check out his academic research online.

“Google my name,” Rayan said as Lewis thought that he asked him to check news articles about his stall, but the student said instead, “You’ll find my research articles online.” Thus, it is Rayan’s dedication towards academics that made Mahindra praise him in his post – a “truly special” reason why the PhD food vendor has the Mahindra Group chairman’s attention.

“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 said in the caption of his post.

His post also featured the viral video that Lewis had shared of his interaction with Rayan:

Tarul Rayan's journey truly exemplifies the balance between pursuing education and entrepreneurship. His success can inspire others in similar situations, showing that it's possible to juggle multiple responsibilities and thrive.