C S Soumya lives in the bustling heart of Thiruvananthapuram, a place where the scent of spices fills the air and the rhythm of everyday life pulses through the streets. At 39, Soumya’s life is a mosaic of passions and pursuits, pieced together by her deep-rooted desire to make a difference. A PhD holder in Sanskrit and a classical dancer by heart, Soumya spent a decade teaching at the Regional Centre of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit. Yet, it was the global covid  pandemic that transformed her path in the most unexpected way.

As the world went into lockdown, Soumya found herself teaching online classes from home. The isolation and monotony began to wear on her, and she yearned for something more—something that could reignite her spirit and connect her to the world outside her four walls. Thus, in July 2022, “Dancing Mind” was born. This YouTube channel was not just a creative outlet but a lifeline, offering a platform to share the untold stories of Kerala’s unsung culinary heroes.
 

Unlike many food vloggers who flock to high-end restaurants, Soumya's lens focused on the modest wayside eateries and small shops struggling to survive. Her keen eye for social dynamics and a deep appreciation for authentic, heartwarming cuisine set her apart. Soumya traveled through narrow alleys and bustling markets, her camera capturing the soul of each dish and the resilience of those who prepared them.

In an interview with ‘Open Digest’, Soumya explained,”My videos focus on the unsung heroes of the culinary world.” Soumya mentioned that she had met many elderly people from economically weak backgrounds who made unique food to sell in public spaces just to make ends meet. She explained that her channel focused on highlighting these individuals to the public so that more people could know about them and buy their food.

Source: Open Digest

Each episode of “Dancing Mind” is an evidence of the power of food as a unifying force. Viewers meet characters like Amma, an elderly woman who wakes up before dawn to make fresh idlis, and Ramesh, a father of three who crafts the most aromatic biryani in a makeshift roadside stall. Soumya’s vlogs delve into their lives, capturing not just their culinary skills but their dreams and struggles.

With every story, Soumya’s following grew, not just in numbers but in heart. People were moved by the authenticity of her content, inspired to support these small vendors. Soumya stated that by highlighting such people, she hoped to not only support them but also foster a sense of connection among viewers. Her work went beyond tantalizing taste buds; it was about nourishing the spirit of resilience and solidarity.

But Soumya’s dreams didn’t stop at vlogging. Deep within her, a larger vision began to take shape. “My dream is to have a home where these elderly, orphaned people who are willing to stay with me can live out their remaining years in a comfortable and peaceful environment with food, medicine, and leisure,” she confided.

This vision was born from the countless conversations she had during her vlogging journey. She saw firsthand the harsh realities faced by the elderly who, despite their hard work, lived on the edge of poverty. Soumya dreams of creating a sanctuary where these individuals could find solace and dignity in their twilight years.