Odisha: He Watched Videos To Distract From Hunger, Now Tribal Man Earns In Lakhs From His Youtube Channel

Isak Munda, the tribal man from Babupali village under Jujumura block of Odisha¡¯s Sambalpur district used to watch YouTube video to distract himself fom hunger. But one day he ended up making a video and there was no looking back after.

Munda was a daily wage labourer who during the 2020 lockdown saw YouTube videos on his friend's cellphone. He then got inspired and took a load of Rs 3000 to buy himself a small smartphone on which he's make videos of himself.

He made his first video in March of 2020. It was a very simple video of him eating a bowlful of pakhala with a onion and a green chilli. About the video Munda told News 18, "I had taken a loan of Rs 3,000 to buy my first little smartphone to make videos. My first video has been viewed by more than 4.99 lakh people. I make videos about life in my poor household and village, showing what and how we eat. I am happy my videos are received so well by many. I am making a decent income now.¡±

There is nothing too unique about Munda's videos. In his videos he speaks in Hindi and Sambalpuri and shows the life of the viallge and how people manage to eat in a poverty-stricken place. He has posted videos of village foods like fish curry, chicken, wild mushroom, red ants and snails.

Three months after his first video in June, Munda recieved Rs 37,000 in his bank account then he recieved Rs 5 lakh and it still goes on. He told OdishaTV.in, "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."

Apart from eating food, Isak also makes videos while catching fish. He often included his wife Sabita Munda and their daughters Monisa, Monica, Mahima and son Pabitra. These videos highlight his communities traditions and how they live a simple and serene life. His wife says,¡°I feel very happy now as our financial condition has improved significantly. Now, we have access to food and other basic facilities.¡±

Munda's Youtube channel ¡®Isak Munda Eating¡¯ has over 7.6 lakh subscribers and counting as of now and he has posted over 300 videos till date showing the simplicity of his lifestyle.