With its extensive reach and capacity to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds, social media has emerged as a vehicle for empowerment, offering opportunities for people to share their stories and make a positive impact on both their own lives and the lives of others.
Viral videos, in particular, have played a significant role in uplifting individuals and communities, altering perspectives and, in some cases, transforming lives. One such story revolves around Jaspreet Singh, a 10-year-old boy from Delhi who operates a food cart, whose recent viral video on social media not only propelled him to fame but also boosted his daily earnings and attracted the attention of notable figures from various fields, including Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, and Bollywood actor Sonu Sood.
Jaspreet’s journey into the limelight began with his video gaining traction on social media platforms.
His story resonated with millions, shedding light on his challenging circumstances as the sole provider for his family following his father’s tragic passing and his mother’s departure. Despite these adversities, Jaspreet persevered, managing his food cart in Tilak Nagar with resilience and determination.
Jaspreet Singh, a ten-year-old resident of Delhi, has been supporting himself and his family by operating a food cart in Tilak Nagar. He has taken on this responsibility due to the absence of both his mother and father. His mother left them in February, and his father’s untimely death from brain tuberculosis in April thrust Jaspreet into the role of the primary provider for his family.
Thanks to the efforts of food blogger Sarabjeet Singh, who shared Jaspreet’s story through a compelling video, the young boy’s plight garnered widespread attention, amassing over 10.7 million in a short span of time.
This surge of support extended beyond virtual platforms, as influential figures like Sonu Sood, Arjun Kapoor, and Anand Mahindra stepped forward to offer assistance and financial aid to Jaspreet.
Watch the viral video here:
Arjun Kapoor and Anand Mahindra, moved by Jaspreet’s courage and determination, pledged to sponsor his education, recognizing the importance of providing him with opportunities for a brighter future.
Sonu Sood, renowned for his philanthropic endeavors, also expressed his intention to visit Jaspreet and discuss potential avenues for support in the coming week.
Punjabi actor Jai Randhawa also visited Jaspreet on May 8 and proposed to open a restaurant in Tilak Nagar just for him.
Courage, thy name is Jaspreet.
But his education shouldn’t suffer.
I believe, he’s in Tilak Nagar, Delhi. If anyone has access to his contact number please do share it.
The Mahindra foundation team will explore how we can support his education.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) May 6, 2024
Arjun Kapoor wrote,
“With a smile on his face, he’s facing life ahead and all that will come with it…. I salute this 10-year-old for having the courage to stand up on his own two feet and take over his father’s work within 10 days of him passing away. I would love to help him out with his or his sister’s education; if anyone knows about his whereabouts, do let me know”
Jaspreet, alongside his 19-year-old cousin Gurmukh Singh, continues to manage the food cart, balancing his responsibilities with his schooling and tuitions.
He said,
Abhi unhone pucha hai ki agar khulwa dein toh (chala loge),” shares Jaspreet, adding, “Main waise cart manage kar leta hun. I go to school in the morning, then tuitions and later come to make rolls at the cart at 6pm. Veerji (cousin, Gurmukh) manages it till them, from 3pm onwards.”
Speaking about Sonu Sood, Jaspreet said,
“Sonu Sood logon ki mushkilein sunke door karte hain. Mujhe achha laga yeh sunke… Pata nahi tha ki aisa bhi hoga mere saath, woh mere paas ayenge.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jaspreet expressed gratitude towards those who have offered assistance, particularly Sonu Sood, whose efforts in alleviating people’s hardships he admires.
His cousin Gurmukh, who oversees Jaspreet’s social media presence, highlighted the contributions of supporters like Anand Mahindra and called for continued support from individuals like Arjun Kapoor to sustain Jaspreet’s livelihood.
His cousin Gurmukh, who is responsible for handling Jaspreet’s social media accounts, said,
“Anand Mahindra has sponsored Jaspreet and his 14-year-old sister’s education. BJP leader Rajiv Babbar has also offered to sponsor my sister’s (Jaspreet’s cousin) education. We would like Arjun Kapoorji to support Jaspreet’s daily livelihood.”
Amidst the outpouring of support, Jaspreet’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of social media and collective action in uplifting those in need and offering hope for a brighter tomorrow.
