Journey of Mohak Mangal: Passionate Learner to famous Digital Creator
In a world where new content creators spring up daily, only a few leave a lasting impression. One such name is Mohak Mangal, whose rise in the YouTube universe has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a blend of authenticity, passion, and creativity, Mohak has created a brand that resonates deeply with Indian people. His journey, from a curious learner to a YouTube sensation with millions of subscribers, is a story which is worth telling. Let’s delve deeper into it.
Early Life and Education
He was born in 1992 in Delhi in a middle-class family. His father and mother used to belong to a small village in Rajasthan. His father is a Chartered accountant by profession. His family faced financial crises during the Harshad Mehta scam as her father's business was shut down. Her mother was pregnant with him and thought of abortion. But his maternal family helped them. After the birth of Mohak, his father got a job in a reputed firm and their family condition also improved with it.
Mohak’s early years were marked by an insatiable curiosity. His desire to learn about a wide range of topics set him apart from his peers. He has a diverse educational background. He attended Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits. Mohak’s journey of intellectual growth continued when he joined Narayana IIT/NEET Academy for his senior secondary education and took on the challenge of IIT coaching.
His passion for economics and global issues led him to pursue a degree from the Singapore Management University, followed by a Master’s in International and Development Economics from Yale University. Mohak further sharpened his business acumen with an MBA from Stanford University. With such an impressive academic background, he was well on his way to becoming a global citizen with a deep understanding of the world's socio-economic issues.
Professional Beginnings
Before Mohak ventured into the digital space, he had already gained significant experience in the professional world. His career began as an associate at AlphaBeta, a corporation based in Singapore. But he wanted to do something in rural development so came back to India. Over time, Mohak held various roles in the field of economics, including jobs at reputable media outlets like Vox.com, ThePrint.in, and Scroll. in. These experiences enriched his understanding of current happenings and the dynamics of media, preparing him for the next phase of his journey.
The Birth of "Soch by Mohak Mangal"
In 2017, driven by frustration over the misinformation rampant in family WhatsApp groups and mainstream media, Mohak decided to take action. Along with his friends Ishleen Sethi and Shikhar Swaroop, he launched a YouTube channel The Soch Project (later rebranded to Soch by Mohak Mangal). Initially, the trio used memes to spread informed content, but Mohak soon realised that this approach wasn’t sustainable for serious content. So, the channel evolved from infotainment to purely educational and analytical videos.
In May 2018, the first video, “Fake News over WhatsApp in India, explained,” went live. Mohak’s meticulous research and unbiased analysis struck a chord with viewers. His passion for fact-based information and his commitment to making complex topics accessible quickly won him a loyal fan following, particularly among younger Indians.
Soch by Mohak Mangal is no ordinary YouTube channel; it represents a mission to make Indians more aware of political, social, and global issues. Mohak’s videos are characterised by thorough research, backed by data, making them credible sources of information. His channel dives into topics that range from Indian politics to international affairs, helping viewers become more informed and critically aware.
By 2023, Mohak's channel had amassed over 2.67 million subscribers and 40 million monthly views. His relentless focus on providing high-quality, informative content placed Soch by Mohak Mangal among the top 1% of all YouTube channels globally.
Expanding Horizons
As Mohak's influence grew, so did his aspirations. He expanded his content beyond YouTube, launching his website "Soch Vichaar" to post in-depth articles on current world issues. Mohak also began exploring new business endeavours like podcasts and newsletters, continually finding ways to engage with his audience on multiple platforms. His podcast, A2Z with Mohak Mangal, explores a wide range of subjects—from ideologies and faiths to scientific terms—unveiling their historical context and relevance in today’s world.
His team of employees helps maintain the channel’s creativity and integrity, ensuring that Soch remains a go-to source for viewers seeking educational, well-researched content.
Controversies and Criticism
No successful journey is without its challenges Mohak also faced them. His rise to fame hasn’t been entirely smooth. In March 2023, his video titled "What is Wrong with Indian Liberals?" stirred controversy. Mohak drew parallels between the private religious actions of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the public religious actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While some praised his boldness, others criticised the comparison, claiming it was inappropriate.
Mohak’s commitment to presenting all sides of an issue has earned him both praise and criticism. Despite the flak he received, he continued to stand by his message of open dialogue and respectful disagreement—values that are core to his content.
Mohak Mangal wife
In 2011, at 19, Mohak met Shaneez Mohinani, a professional in her own right. They started dating and the couple tied the knot in 2019. Shaneez is a principal at Clocktower Technology Ventures’ Climate Fund and hosts the podcast "Down to Zero" on Spotify. Mohak says that Shaneez is the best person he met, she supported her at every phase of his life.
Mohak's Vision and believes
Today, with more than 3.5 million followers, Mohak Mangal continues to revolutionise digital education through engaging videos and meaningful content. His ability to present difficult concepts in an easy-to-understand manner has made his channel a hub for those seeking to learn about global issues. Beyond YouTube, Mohak is an active presence on platforms like Twitter (X), and Instagram, constantly finding new ways to engage with his audience.
Mohak believes that it's very important to choose the right mentor, ideal or follower for a person, he/she should be someone you aspire to become. His ideal is Virat Kohli, and he says it is not because he is good at cricket but because his principal way of living inspires him.
Mohak Mangal’s journey from a passionate learner to a global educator is a story of dedication, intellectual rigour, and the drive to make a difference. By using the power of digital platforms, he has redefined how people consume knowledge, offering an alternative to the misinformation prevalent in today’s media landscape. His story is an inspiring reminder of how one person’s passion for truth and education can transform the lives of millions.
Written by Manvi