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Journalism of Courage
New York City is often synonymous with skyscrapers and world-class transportation, images that dominate movies and travel videos on social media. However, a Delhi-based YouTuber shared a very different side of the city’s iconic subway system, peeling off the glossy image.
Love Solanki Rudrakash, who is currently documenting his solo trip across the US, recently shared an Instagram reel capturing the harsh realities of New York’s metro. The now-viral video has sparked widespread conversation on social media, showing a side of the city many tourists never see.
In the footage, Rudrakash highlights shocking scenes: intoxicated passengers, litter-strewn platforms, and rats casually scurrying along the tracks. The clip shows human waste, faeces, and urine on station platforms, with no signs of cleaning or maintenance.
Rudrakash also claims that many commuters simply bypass paying for tickets altogether. “After a very successful part one, I’m coming with part two because there is so much I can shoot in subway. I cannot even explain though I love seeing people with so much amazing outfits. But when I take a breath, I smell piss,” he wrote in the caption.
Watch here:
With over four million views, the video sparked a sea of reactions, especially from Indian users who slammed the West for incessantly criticising India over its slums and poor hygiene “Even our Indian railway stations are far more better than this. This is just,” a user wrote. “Think before criticising our country, we are far far better than a lot of “developed nations” Jai hind,” another user commented.
“This reel is depressing my soul! Imagine walking through this,” a third user reacted. “Thanks for showing cause today l was scrolling through Instagram and l came across a comment over a reel where he was humiliating Indians just for eating by hands,” a fourth user chimed in.
