Indian-Origin Data Scientist Fired from TD Bank After Viral Video About Taking Free Food from Food Banks

An Indian-origin data scientist named Mehul Prajapati was fired from his job at TD Bank in Canada after he shared a video on social media explaining how he gets "free food" from food banks meant for students. In the now-viral video, Prajapati claimed that he saves "hundreds of bucks" every month in food and groceries by taking advantage of the food banks established at colleges and universities by non-profit organizations, trusts, and churches.

The video, originally posted on Instagram, provoked outrage among social media users who criticized Prajapati for exploiting resources intended for those in genuine financial need. One user shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Prajapati held a well-paying position as a bank data scientist with an average salary of around $98,000 per year. "The individual named in the video no longer works at TD," the bank confirmed in response to the backlash.

Why this matters: The incident has ignited a broader debate about the ethics of using food banks and other charitable services when one has the means to support themselves. It also highlights the power of social media to expose and hold individuals accountable for actions that are perceived as exploitative or unethical.

Prajapati's social media profiles have since been made unavailable, indicating the consequences he faced for his actions. The X user's post confirming his termination from TD Bank has garnered over 300,000 views, with mixed reactions from people discussing the ethics of his behavior. While some expressed sympathy for Prajapati, others supported the bank's decision to fire him, arguing that his actions did not align with TD's values or culture of care.

Key Takeaways

• Indian-origin data scientist Mehul Prajapati fired from TD Bank for exploiting food banks
• Prajapati shared a video on social media explaining how he gets "free food" from food banks
• Prajapati's actions sparked outrage, with TD Bank confirming his termination
• Incident highlights debate on ethics of using charitable services when financially capable
• Social media's power to expose and hold individuals accountable for perceived unethical actions