7 Unbelievable Facts About Shamak Agarwal: Penn State’s Viral Sensation And World Record Artist

The digital landscape is constantly creating new stars, and as of late December 2025, one name is dominating feeds across TikTok and Instagram: Shamak Agarwal. This Penn State student has captured the attention of millions, not just for his academic pursuits in the highly competitive computer science program, but for offering an authentic, humorous, and relatable glimpse into the life of an international student in the United States. His journey from an award-winning artist in India to a viral content creator at University Park is a testament to the power of sharing one's unique experience.

Agarwal’s content, particularly his "Day In The Life of Indian Students in the US" series, has resonated deeply with a global audience, achieving millions of views in a matter of weeks. While his current fame centers on his life at Penn State, his background reveals an extraordinary young man with a history of record-breaking achievements in the world of fine arts, setting him apart as a truly multi-talented individual. This article dives into the full, fascinating story of Shamak Agarwal.

Shamak Agarwal: Complete Biography and Profile

Shamak Agarwal’s life story is marked by a blend of artistic excellence, academic ambition, and rapid digital fame. He represents a new generation of students who seamlessly navigate traditional education and modern media influence.

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• Full Name: Shamak Agarwal
• Hometown: Surat, Gujarat, India
• Current Location: University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
• Educational Institution: Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
• Major: Computer Science
• Penn State Class: Class of 2027 (Sophomore/Third-Semester Student as of recent reports)
• Social Media Handle: @shamakinusa (Active on Instagram and TikTok)
• Noted Content: "Day In The Life of Indian Students in the US" series
• Key Achievements (Pre-College): World Record Holder (Art), Bal Ratna Award 2021, Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts (Alfus State Government University, Delhi)
• Early Passion: Sketching and drawing, starting in the second grade

The Viral Phenomenon: From Penn State Student to Internet Sensation

Shamak Agarwal’s rise to internet fame was swift and explosive. His content offers a unique perspective that had previously been underrepresented in the mainstream "day in the life" genre. By sharing his experiences as an international student from India, he tapped into a massive, engaged audience.

The core of his virality lies in the "Day In The Life" series, which documents everything from his academic schedule as a computer science major to trying local Penn State food, navigating campus life, and the cultural nuances of living in the US. His videos are praised for their authenticity and relatable portrayal of the international student experience, particularly for those from South Asia.

In a short period, his videos amassed millions of views, with one report noting over 5.3 million views in just 16 days, solidifying his status as a legitimate TikTok sensation and a rising content creator. This rapid growth on platforms like Instagram and TikTok (under the handle @shamakinusa) made him one of the most talked-about personalities at Penn State University and beyond. The content often features glimpses of the University Park campus and the vibrant life in Centre County.

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Beyond the Screen: Shamak Agarwal’s Record-Breaking Art Career

What many of his new followers don't realize is that Shamak Agarwal was already a recognized figure for his artistic talents long before he enrolled at Penn State. His background as a prodigious artist from Surat, India, is a significant part of his identity and demonstrates a rare combination of technical skill (computer science) and creative flair (fine arts).

Agarwal began drawing in the second grade, nurturing a lifelong passion for sketching. This dedication led to several high-profile recognitions and awards in India, establishing him as a young art prodigy.

The Prestigious Bal Ratna Award

One of his most notable pre-college achievements is receiving the Bal Ratna Award in 2021. This award is a significant recognition for young achievers in India and highlights his exceptional talent in the fine arts category. Such an honor at a young age speaks volumes about his commitment and skill level.

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Honorary Doctorate and World Record

Perhaps the most astonishing achievement in his artistic portfolio is the honorary doctorate he received. At the young age of 16, Shamak Agarwal was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in fine arts from the Alfus State Government University in Delhi. This is an extremely rare and prestigious honor for a teenager, typically reserved for seasoned professionals or public figures.

Furthermore, he is officially recognized as a world record holder in the field of art. While the specific details of the world record are vast, this accomplishment places him in an elite class of artists and further demonstrates his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his artistic medium. His early career is a critical component of his topical authority, adding depth to his profile beyond his digital fame.

Life as a Computer Science Major at Penn State

Despite his social media success and artistic background, Shamak Agarwal remains primarily focused on his academic career at Penn State. He is currently a sophomore studying Computer Science, a demanding and highly competitive field. His choice of major reflects a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach, combining his creative sensibilities with the logical structure of technology.

His videos often touch upon the reality of balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the demands of being a full-time content creator. This candid approach is part of what makes his content so compelling—it's a real look at the intersection of high-level education and the modern digital hustle. Entities like the College of Engineering and the Penn State curriculum are often implicitly or explicitly referenced in his academic-focused content.

The life of an Indian student in the US involves unique challenges, including cultural adjustment, academic pressure, and navigating a new social environment. Agarwal’s willingness to share his apartment tour, his attempts at American cuisine, and his interactions with fellow Penn State students provides valuable insight and community for others going through similar experiences. He has become a representative voice for the large community of international students at Penn State and universities nationwide.

The Future: Blending Art, Tech, and Influence

Shamak Agarwal’s future trajectory is incredibly promising. His foundation in computer science positions him well for a career in technology, while his unique artistic talent and rapidly growing social media influence open doors to creative and entrepreneurial ventures.

He serves as an excellent case study for how modern students can leverage their unique personal stories and skills to build a significant brand. Whether he ultimately pursues software development, digital art, or full-time content creation, his journey—from a sketching enthusiast in Surat, Gujarat, to a celebrated artist and viral Penn State sophomore—is a powerful inspiration for aspiring creators and international students everywhere.

The sustained interest in his life and the continuous growth of his following suggest that Shamak Agarwal is more than a fleeting viral moment; he is a rising figure who skillfully blends the worlds of academia, art, and digital media. Keep an eye on the @shamakinusa handle for the next chapter in this remarkable story.