In the vast realm of social media, where influencers reign supreme, only a select few transcend the pursuit of fame and utilize their platforms for a deeper purpose beyond amassing followers. Gaurav Wasan, hailing from Delhi, is one extraordinary individual who has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape. Revered by both food enthusiasts and advocates for social change, Wasan has embarked on a remarkable journey as a food explorer and storyteller. His endeavors have not only tantalized taste buds but also forged connections between communities, celebrated culinary diversity, and championed local businesses.
With an impressive 882K followers on Instagram and a thriving YouTube channel called “Swad Official” boasting 2.2M subscribers as of 2023, Wasan’s influence continues to grow day by day.
A Humble Beginning:
Before his journey as a food blogger, Gaurav had a humble beginning, working in various media houses such as NDTV and Aaj Tak. During his time there, he took charge of documenting and cataloging segments related to hotels and restaurants. His work took him on culinary adventures across India, where he savored different types of food. Along the way, he even had the opportunity to host several shows, nurturing his love for the culinary arts.
In 2018, Gaurav’s passion for food led him to participate in the Bajaj Super Chef cooking competition. However, it was a chance encounter in 2020 that truly propelled him into the limelight and transformed him into a household name.
On the 7th of October 2020, Gaurav created a video that went viral within just 24 hours. The video featured an 80-year-old couple running a small eatery called “Baba Ka Dhaba”, struggling to make a living due to Covid pandemic & lack of marketing. Their story touched Gaurav, and he implored people to visit their shop, show support, and indulge in their delicious food. In the video, he showcased the exceptional quality of their culinary creations.
The Viral Impact:
The power of social media quickly took hold as the hashtag #BabaKaDhaba began trending across various platforms. Not only did Gaurav urge people to visit “Baba Ka Dhaba”, but he also initiated a fundraising campaign.
Within hours, an overwhelming wave of support and love poured in for Kanta Prasad, the owner of “Baba Ka Dhaba”. The video not only changed the lives of the elderly couple but also became a turning point in Gaurav Wasan’s journey, as it ignited a movement of support for street food vendors across the country.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs:
Gaurav’s efforts went beyond raising funds for “Baba Ka Dhaba”. Recognizing the systemic challenges faced by street food vendors, he embarked on a mission to empower these local entrepreneurs. Collaborating with organizations and leveraging his social media presence, he organized workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events to equip street food vendors with the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive food industry.
On September 11, 2020, Wasan captured a noteworthy moment as he posted a picture of Pappi Lahri, a Shikanji seller. Gaurav, sharing the image on his Instagram account, expressed, “His face says it all. 42 years in the business doing the same thing but the best is he lives what he does and when you ever get a chance to visit him you will love it because of the way he serves you.”
Building Bridges of Compassion:
Gaurav Wasan’s acts of kindness vividly demonstrate the profound impact of compassion. While his endeavors have directly uplifted the lives of street food vendors, their influence extends far beyond tangible assistance. Gaurav’s viral video acted as a catalyst, sparking crucial conversations about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and highlighting the transformative power of social media as a driver of societal progress. By building bridges between the privileged and the disadvantaged, Gaurav has fostered an environment where empathy flourishes, inspiring others to broaden their horizons and extend support to those in need.
In 2020, he was honored with the prestigious ‘Food Explorer Award’ for his remarkable culinary ventures, and the following year, he received the coveted ‘Food YouTuber of the Year Award,’ recognizing his significant contributions to the world of gastronomy.
