We are used to seeing people seeking alms at railway stations, bus stands, streets, and public places. However, with online “begging” gaining traction in today’s digital world, the hope is that traditional street begging may gradually go out of trend. Here’s a man named Gautam Surya who is going viral for his ‘digital begging.’ He comes live on YouTube and begs to earn a living. He also has more than 5 lakh subscribers on his channel. So far he has put 3.8 thousand videos on his YouTube channel, and his videos have got a total of over 26 million views.
How Gautam Surya begs?
Gautam Surya goes live for 3–4 hours every day, asking people for money by displaying 2–3 QR codes on the screen. Her channel bio reads: “One day I will build my own house, and then no one will be able to tell me to leave.”
Whenever he goes live, more than 10,000 people join at once. Viewers send him money through QR codes, with amounts ranging from ₹1 to ₹100, though most contribute ₹1. Each time someone pays, he announces their name, thanks them, and sometimes shares the number or name from which the payment came.
In one video, Gautam Surya also opened up about his struggles. He revealed that for 2–3 years, he had no work, and life was extremely difficult. He explained, “I am young, but I used to sit at home unemployed. At night, when my father returned home at 12:30 AM after working and riding his bicycle, and our eyes met, I felt very ashamed. Seeing my father ride a bicycle for work at this age was very painful. That’s why I beg.”
Disclaimer: News 24 does not promote or endorse begging or online solicitation. This article is for informational purposes only
