Lifestyle
Dunki Diaries: The Rise of Maverick Migration Influencers Sharing Untold Tales
In a world filled with influencers documenting every facet of their lives, a unique breed has emerged – the Dunki Influencers. These daring individuals are taking to YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to document their unconventional migration journeys, sharing tips and tales of traversing the Panama jungle and the US-Mexico border.
2 Numbari USA Wala
Meet Jaspal Sharma, aka ‘2 Numbari USA Wala,’ a Dunki Influencer with half a million views on his videos about the trials and tribulations of four Indian migrants facing the ‘mafia’ in the Panama jungle. Today, Jaspal holds a work permit in California, a long journey from the challenges in his year-old video series but his passion for content creation persists.
The Dunki Phenomenon Goes Pop-Cultural
Thanks to influencers like Sharma, the Dunki phenomenon is becoming pop culture, especially with references in movies like “Dunki” by Rajkumar Hirani. Unlike legal migration, termed ‘1 Numbari,’ these influencers are embracing ‘2 Numbari’ or Dunki Flights, shedding light on the perceived illegality and danger that surrounds their journeys.
On social media, hashtags like ‘USAdonkey,’ ‘dunki,’ and ‘2numbari’ are gaining traction, drawing audiences into the allure of these risky ventures.
The Dunki Journey and Social Media
Jaspal’s migration journey started after unsuccessful attempts to migrate to Australia through legal channels. Prompted by the farmers’ protests, he began vlogging, turning his journey into content. Despite challenges, he continued documenting his trip, eventually landing a work permit in California.
Live streams by influencers like ‘Technical Gill’ engage thousands, addressing queries about routes, agents, and financial requirements for the journey. Gill, settled in Mexico since 2016, shares border crossings and risks faced on the route from South America to the US, providing valuable insights for migrants.
Ankush Malik, another Dunki Influencer, shares the undocumented side of immigration from India to the US. Ankush’s videos showcase the nitty-gritty of the journey, celebrating milestones like receiving a work permit.
Profits and Risks `
Influencers like Malik and Sharma are not just shaping aspirations but also profiting from their risky endeavors. Deswal, a Dunki migrant now working in California, acknowledges the financial motivations behind running YouTube channels.
While Dunki influencers are reaping profits, the fear and stigma of illegality persist. Some migrants, like Krishan Khatkar, avoid commenting on their journeys to protect their migration plans.
Agents and Influencers
Many Dunki migrants rely on agents, navigating treacherous journeys pressured by ‘donkers.’ Human rights lawyers in the US offer legal help, making influencers confident in sharing their experiences. However, concerns about exploitation by agents are prevalent.
The Role of Dunki Influencers
Data from the Pew Research Center reveals a surge in Indians being the third-highest number of illegal immigrants to the US. From policy changes to the pandemic and increased desperation, several factors contribute to this rise. Migration scholar Sugandha Nagpal notes the emergence of Indian migrants becoming influencers, providing information to aspirational migrants.
Backlash
Not everyone is a fan of Dunki influencers, with comments expressing concerns about their impact on visa processes. Despite criticism, influencers like Gill use their platforms to spread awareness about the risks involved in Dunki migration.
Jaspal Sharma also contends that the overall response has been positive, with viewers tuning in globally for a glimpse into these unconventional journeys. In a world filled with dreams of a better life, Dunki influencers are here to share their experiences, for better or for worse.
Lifestyle
Kerala Creators Share Celebrations During Onam 2024
Onam is a major festival celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm in the Indian state of Kerala and among Malayali communities worldwide. It commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali and marks the harvest season, highlighting Kerala’s rich culture and traditions. The festival spans ten days, each holding its own unique significance, culminating in […]
Lifestyle
Diwali Wishes for Social Media: Creative and Heartfelt Posts
Diwali is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to light up your social media feed with festive wishes! Especially if you’re a creator, you want to make sure your posts are not only engaging but also authentic and heartfelt. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of […]
Lifestyle
Hindi Diwas: Discover the Creators Teaching Hindi on Instagram
Every year on September 14, India celebrates Hindi Diwas to mark the historic day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly recognized Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as one of the official languages of the nation. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of Hindi in fostering unity in a country as diverse […]
-
Lifestyle2 weeks ago
Exclusive: Nabam Jully Talks About Getting Married To A Korean, Moving To Mexico But Loving Bollywood More
-
Lifestyle2 weeks ago
Karnataka Introduces New Guidelines for Digital Influencers to Promote State Initiatives
-
Tech1 week ago
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Finally Makes Statement About Recent French Ordeal
-
Finance1 week ago
Personal Finance Influencers Simplifying Investment Tips for Beginners
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Sheetal Devi’s Inspiring Journey from a Remote Village to Tanishq Partnership
-
Finance2 weeks ago
Sonia Shenoy Bids Adieu to CNBC-TV18 after 16 Years
-
Lifestyle1 week ago
5 Environmental Influencers on Instagram Who Are Working Hard to Change Our Environment
-
Lifestyle2 weeks ago
Exclusive: Why Bengaluru’s Homegrown Artist Natauku Should Be On Your Indie Playlist