He used to watch YouTube videos to divert his attention from hunger, but had never thought that the platform would one day change his life.
Isak Munda, the tribal man from Babupali village under Jujumura block of Odisha’s Sambalpur district who used to struggle for his survival, has now become one of the most successful YouTubers in the country.
His YouTube channel ‘Isak Munda Eating’ has over 7.3 lakh subscribers.
“One day I was watching videos on my mobile phone when a video popped up. In the video, the presenter suggested making of videos and uploading them on YouTube to earn money. I repeatedly watched the video and decided to give it a try,” said Munda.
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Munda journey as a YouTuber started in March last year when he posted a video of him eating a bowlful of pakhala with a onion and a green chilli. There has been no looking back since then.
Munda’s videos do not have any unique or extraordinary contents. Rather, he makes simple videos of village foods which are watched by lakhs of people, earning him fame along with a decent income.
He has posted videos of village foods like fish curry, chicken, wild mushroom, red ants and snails. Narrating about the food items in a mixed language of Hindi and Sambalpuri, Munda have posted more than 300 videos so far.
When a OTV team reached Munda’s home to get an insight into his success story, he was collecting mushroom for his new video. Later, he had food with the OTV crew and posted the video on his YouTube channel.
Apart from videos of village foods, Munda also makes videos of catching fish besides snacks eating challenge among children of his village.
“In August 2020, I received Rs 5 lakh income from YouTube. I have built a house with the money and bailed out my family from the financial crisis. I have also decided to extend help to needy people as per my capacity,” said an elated Munda.
His wife said, “I feel very happy now as our financial condition has improved significantly. Now, we have access to food and other basic facilities.”