Woman Opts Out Of College To Focus On YouTube, Her Channel Has 7 Million Followers

The internet is overflowing with health tips. While some of these tips are based on solid research or traditional wisdom, a large portion consists of unverified or imitative advice that lacks accuracy and safety. Despite the clutter, breaking into this space is a tough challenge for aspiring influencers. This was exactly the challenge that Subah Saraf, now 25, decided to take on seven years ago. At the age of 17, she began sharing YouTube videos about a lifestyle she claimed helped her manage PCOD (polycystic ovarian disorder) and hypothyroidism. She called the practice Satvik living.

At just 17, Subah reportedly opted out of a formal college education to learn from health gurus dedicated to the Satvik lifestyle, both in India and abroad. As she began her journey, her YouTube channel, Satvic Movement, started gaining traction. Subah also began hosting offline workshops around the National Capital Region, expanding her reach. In 2019, she crossed paths with Harshvardhan and eventually married him in 2021.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Satvic Movement’s YouTube following skyrocketed to nearly 7 million. Fast forward to 2024, and Subah, along with her husband Harshvardhan Saraf, 33, now co-leads the Satvic Movement. They’ve even co-authored a book titled The Satvic Revolution: 7 Life-Changing Habits to Discover Peak Health and Joy, reports Money Control.

The Satvic Movement channel isn’t the most followed on YouTube in India. However, its most popular videos boast impressive view counts of up to 35 million.

“Holistic health education platform. We share timeless health knowledge in easy-to-understand terms, such that you can actually apply it in your life. Satvic living is for you if you’re looking to dramatically improve your health, overcome diseases through holistic healing, or adopt a wholesome, Satvic diet. Founded in August 2017, it has today become a rapidly growing organisation that has transformed the lives of millions of people," reads their official description on YouTube.

Some of the practices they advocate, such as staying active throughout the day, getting enough sleep, or eliminating sugar and ultra-processed foods from your diet, are backed by science. However, some of their content has sparked debates, particularly about whether a Satvik diet provides sufficient protein or if the heavy reliance on coconut and coconut milk could negatively impact heart health.