A recent video posted on X (formerly Twitter) has ignited widespread outrage across social media, uniting users who are typically divided on most issues. In a platform often fraught with heated debates, the video managed to strike a collective chord of disapproval. In the clip, a man identifying himself as “Duryodhan,” with the handle “Docsauravsingh,” is seen handing a condom to a beggar woman on the streets during Diwali. Claiming to be a doctor, he captioned the video “Best way to help roadside beggars” and used the hashtags #DiwaliCelebration and #Dhanteras.
The video, posted on October 31, shows the man approaching a beggar woman seated on a sidewalk with her toddler. As the woman holds out her hand, expecting a small donation, he instead hands her a condom. Confused, the woman accepts it, while her young child even reaches out to grab the condom, apparently curious about what his mother received. The doctor’s attempt to make a social statement about family planning—particularly his choice to stage the act during Diwali, a festival known for its focus on generosity and compassion—was met with significant criticism.
What a vile and insensitive video. Did you not feel any shame or empathy making it?
X User
The response to the video was swift and largely negative, with many commenters questioning the ethics and sensitivity of such a gesture. “Wtf is wrong with you?” one user asked in the comments. “What a vile and insensitive video. Did you not feel any shame or empathy making it?” another user demanded. Among those who weighed in on the controversy was X user Koushik Chatterjee, who emphasized the inappropriateness of using someone’s suffering as content without their consent: “This is extremely inappropriate and offensive. You made content out of her suffering. You used it without consent. As a doctor or responsible citizen, do you think it’s okay to shame her for fun? It’s disappointing from a doctor.”
Critics of the video pointed out that while the issue of family planning is important, the approach taken was tactless, especially as the doctor appeared to publicly shame a vulnerable individual rather than educate or support her. Many noted that his message could have been conveyed in a more thoughtful, respectful way without undermining the dignity of those involved.
In further comments, users condemned the doctor’s execution of the message as a display of “performative” activism, where a real social issue is trivialized for online content. One user summarized the consensus, stating, “If lack of empathy had a video, then this would be it. Your intentions were correct, but the way you executed it only shows your lack of empathy.” The video’s release during Diwali—a holiday traditionally associated with kindness, compassion, and generosity—only amplified the backlash, as many felt that such a stunt was especially distasteful on a day meant to celebrate goodwill.
The controversy surrounding the video quickly garnered thousands of views, with social media users calling for the removal of the post. Many pointed out that by handing a condom to a beggar woman without explanation or support, the doctor essentially exploited her situation to gain attention. Others expressed disappointment that a medical professional, who ideally should represent empathy and care, would engage in such an insensitive act.
While the doctor claimed his intention was to make a statement on the importance of family planning and the risks of raising children in impoverished conditions, social media users criticized his method as both ineffective and disrespectful. The video has sparked conversations around the ethics of public “awareness” acts and the importance of approaching social issues with genuine empathy rather than sensationalism.
In response, many users suggested that meaningful social change requires not only awareness but also a compassionate, respectful approach that supports rather than shames those in need.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
