Mehul Prajapati, an Indian data scientist studying in Canada, has come forward to assert that racial bias played a significant role in the virulent attacks he faced following the circulation of a video showcasing his use of food banks in the country. Prajapati revealed to IndiaToday.In that he has been gripped by fear for his safety, refraining from leaving his room for the past six days.
The controversy erupted after Prajapati’s video demonstrating his utilization of food banks, originally intended for underprivileged and struggling students, to stock up on groceries and save money, gained widespread attention. While Prajapati’s video has since been deleted, it sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning his eligibility for such assistance given his reported salary of approximately 98,000 Canadian dollars per year.
Individuals took to social media platforms, tagging Prajapati’s employer, TD Bank, and demanding punitive action against him. Subsequently, TD Bank confirmed that Prajapati was no longer associated with the organization.
Prajapati, who arrived in Canada in 2022 on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree at Wilfrid Laurier University, shed light on the challenges faced by international students, including financial strain and mental distress stemming from separation from family in a foreign land.
Addressing his employment status, Prajapati clarified that, being on a student visa, he was unable to engage in full-time employment with TD Bank. He further explained that his course included an internship, which concluded on December 22, 2023, after which he remained unemployed.
Notably, Prajapati underscored that his video aimed to educate international students about university food banks and did not pertain to government-run initiatives. He emphasized that the resources mentioned in his video were specifically tailored for university students, as per the college’s website.
The program, administered by Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) and Martin Luther University College, provides free groceries and essentials to students facing food insecurity. Prajapati clarified that his previous volunteer work for the program exemplified his commitment to supporting fellow students.
Despite Prajapati’s intentions to inform and assist students, he found himself embroiled in a storm of online harassment fueled by misconceptions and baseless accusations propagated by social media users. Prajapati lamented the mental anguish inflicted upon him by hurtful comments and underscored the discriminatory and racially motivated nature of the attacks he endured.
His ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of social media, where hasty judgments and unfounded allegations can wreak havoc on individuals’ lives without regard for truth or fairness.
