How Indian student’s viral food bank video sparked a storm of disinformation in Canada

A 26-year-old Indian student in Canada, who made headlines for the wrong reasons this week, turned out to be the victim of a storm of disinformation on social media.

Mehul Prajapati, who studies at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, fell into a web of lies after posting a video on Instagram about how university students can use a local food bank. The now-deleted video sparked widespread debate on social media platforms like Xx, TikTok and Reddit, with many spewing hatred at the Indian student.

false information

“This is how I save hundreds of dollars on food and groceries every month,” Prajapati, wearing a Laurier sweater, said in the video. “I got all these groceries for free this week. This is for everyone, for all students.” Social media users criticized the idea of ​​students relying on food banks for free meals in order to save money. However, the situation worsened when misinformation began circulating online.

The false claims suggest that Prajapati was a data analyst at TD Bank and earned a handsome salary. These claims were debunked when it was revealed that Prajapati had completed a 17-week internship at the bank, which was to end in December 2023. Despite the clarification, headlines incorrectly stated that TD Bank had “fired” Prajapati. The bank rejected these claims, saying that Prajapati was not a current employee at the time the video was posted.

Read more: Indian student in Canada ‘dismissed’ from job after viral video of food bank reveals true story

online abuse

After the online backlash took a toll on Prajapati, the Dean of Students of Laurier University announced a review of the situation, promising necessary support. “Online abuse directed at our student is malicious and harmful,” Laurier said in a statement. record, “We are providing the student with the necessary support.” “Online abuse directed at our student is malicious and harmful,” Laurier said in a statement. record, “We are providing the student with the necessary support.”

Overwhelmed by online abuse, Prajapati deactivated all her social media accounts. He expressed disappointment over the situation, saying that the false allegations have tarnished his reputation. Prajapati also clarified that his intention in the video was to inform struggling students about the resources available. “This experience taught me a hard lesson: not everything you see on the Internet is true. Often, the real story is very different from people’s perception. This dark side of social media and internet can make you a hero or a zero in one click,” he said. moncontrol,

food Bank

The use of food banks among international students has sparked controversy in recent months, leading to some food banks considering restrictions on student access. According to November 2023 data from the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, 1,900 individuals identified themselves as students and sought food assistance in the region, an increase of 220% compared to the same period in 2022.

“We know that post-secondary students face the same living challenges as many other adults, but they are also burdened with the additional burden of tuition costs and student loans,” said Kim Wilhelm, CEO of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. There is also a financial burden.” Told the record. “If you live in Waterloo Region and you recognize that you need food, you will get food, full stop.”