ISKCON monk and renowned motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das captivated audiences on Rajat Sharma’s ‘Aap Ki Adalat,’ offering profound insights into social media success while addressing the challenges faced by reel makers. The episode, airing tonight on India TV, highlights Das’s journey to becoming a social media phenomenon and his heartfelt advice for creators striving for success.
Das attributed his social media success to timing, emphasizing the importance of recognizing opportunities early. “When we started, social media was a nascent space with few influencers. Growth was easier then. Saying we achieved big is incorrect; we were simply at the right place, at the right time,” he remarked.
Das underscored the need for unwavering consistency in pursuing one’s passion. “Post regularly. Don’t waver when some content doesn’t perform well. Excellence comes with persistence,” he explained. Authenticity, according to Das, is equally crucial. “Avoid copying others. God made each of us unique—like fingerprints. Be original, not a photocopy,” he urged.
In a world obsessed with follower counts, Das advised creators to prioritize impact over metrics. “Run after impact, not numbers. If your content touches someone’s life, numbers will follow. Even if they don’t, you’ve made a difference.”
Addressing the darker side of social media, Das warned about the mental health toll on creators. Citing poet Bashar Nawaz, he said, “ख्वाहिशों के बोझ में बशर, तू क्या क्या कर रहा है, इतना तो जीना भी नहीं, जितना तू मर रहा है.” He urged influencers to advocate for mental well-being. “The number of people dying while making reels is small compared to those silently battling depression. Leaders in this space must speak the truth.”
In an emotional moment, Das shared the regret of not apologizing to his father, who passed away in 2009. Reflecting on their strained relationship over his father’s smoking habits, Das said, “I placed my London lecture pendrive in his hand and said, ‘Papa, sorry, I should have never done this to you.’ Life is too short to hold grudges.”
Das also spoke against the persecution of Hindus and ISKCON devotees in Bangladesh, urging the world to raise its voice against injustice. “The world suffers more because of the silence of good people than the violence of bad ones. Stand up for what is right,” he asserted.