In a serene area of central India is Tulsi, a village similar to many others, featuring simple single-story houses, banyan trees offering shaded spots for gatherings, and roads that are only partially paved. However, Tulsi distinguishes itself with a notable reputation; it has been dubbed India’s “YouTube Village.” What makes this countryside community near Raipur in the state of Chhattisgarh remarkable is the extraordinary number of its residents—more than 1,000 out of its 4,000 populace—engaged in producing content for YouTube.
In a quiet part of central India lies Tulsi, a village like many others, with modest one-story homes, banyan trees providing shade for gatherings, and roads that are only partially paved. But Tulsi stands apart with a unique claim to fame; it has earned the title of India’s “YouTube Village.” What sets this rural spot near Raipur in the state of Chhattisgarh apart is the staggering number of its residents—over 1,000 of its 4,000 inhabitants—who are involved in creating content for YouTube.
The village has undergone an extraordinary transformation since 2018, when social media began to take root in its daily life. Today, YouTube is not just a source of entertainment in Tulsi; it is a driver of economic growth, social reform, and technological adoption. Residents now see the platform as a means to bridge the gap between rural and urban life, offering opportunities that were previously unimaginable in this agricultural community.
Tulsi’s path to becoming a hub for content creation began humbly. In 2018, a villager named Jai Varma, along with his friend Gyanendra Shukla, initiated a YouTube channel named Being Chhattisgarhiya
. Feeling discontent with their ordinary everyday lives, the pair looked for a creative way to express themselves. Their third video, a satirical portrayal of a young couple being troubled on Valentine’s Day, rapidly gained popularity. By blending humor with social critique, the video resonated with viewers, amassing tens of thousands of subscribers for the channel within just a few months.
. Unsatisfied with their mundane daily routines, the duo sought a creative outlet to express themselves. Their third video, a satirical take on a young couple being harassed on Valentine’s Day, quickly went viral. Mixing humor with social commentary, the video struck a chord with audiences, earning tens of thousands of followers for the channel in just a few months.
By the time their subscriber base crossed 125,000, and their videos had racked up over 260 million cumulative views, Varma and Shukla had silenced skeptics in their families who questioned their decision to dedicate so much time to YouTube. Their success inspired others in Tulsi to follow their lead. Some residents started their own channels, while others volunteered to act in videos or assist with production. The money flowing in from YouTube not only supported the creators but also stimulated the local economy.
Walking through Tulsi now, it’s a challenge to encounter anyone who hasn’t been involved in a YouTube production. Farmers take breaks from their fieldwork to join videos, while young creators organize dance routines or set up skits under the village’s banyan trees. For numerous residents, YouTube has opened doors to new opportunities.
Una de las historias de éxito más destacadas es la de Pinky Sahoo, de 27 años. Creciendo en un entorno conservador donde la actuación era mal vista, Sahoo temía que sus sueños de convertirse en bailarina y actriz no se realizaran. Sin embargo, después de ser descubierta por los creadores de Being Chhattisgarhiya
, she got her initial opportunity in their videos. Her skills soon attracted the interest of regional filmmakers, leading to her appearance in seven films. For Sahoo, YouTube acted as a launchpad to the film industry, demonstrating that even in isolated villages, talent can reach broader audiences.
Meanwhile, young individuals like Aditya Bhagel have established careers behind the camera. Motivated by Varma and Shukla, Bhagel started his own YouTube channel while he was still in college and soon attracted a dedicated audience. His achievements secured him a position on the Being Chhattisgarhiya
team, where he refined his abilities as a writer and director. Currently, Bhagel is preparing to contribute to a high-budget regional film, achieving a dream he once considered beyond reach.
Impulsando a las mujeres a través de las redes sociales
A significant aspect of Tulsi’s YouTube surge has been its effect on the women in the community. In a society where conventional gender roles frequently restrict women’s opportunities, YouTube has offered a space for empowerment and self-expression.
Draupadi Vaishnu, una exjefa del pueblo, considera que los videos producidos en Tulsi desempeñan un papel crucial al desafiar normas sociales arraigadas. A menudo aparece en videos que abordan temas como el abuso doméstico y la desigualdad de género. “Estos videos ayudan a romper ciclos de prácticas dañinas,” explica Vaishnu. En un papel memorable, interpretó a una suegra que apoya a su nuera para que continúe con estudios superiores, enviando un mensaje contundente sobre la importancia del empoderamiento femenino.
Draupadi Vaishnu, a former village head, believes the videos produced in Tulsi play a crucial role in challenging entrenched social norms. She often appears in videos that address issues like domestic abuse and gender inequality. “These videos help break cycles of harmful practices,” Vaishnu explains. In one memorable role, she portrayed a supportive mother-in-law encouraging her daughter-in-law to pursue higher education, sending a powerful message about the importance of women’s empowerment.
For homemaker Ramkali Varma, participating in YouTube videos has become a source of satisfaction. Renowned for her depictions of caring mothers, she is now one of the most in-demand actors in the village. “Through my roles, I can advocate for women’s education and achievements. Acting provides me with peace of mind,” she states.
Apoyo gubernamental y un estudio de última generación
Government support and a state-of-the-art studio
The success of Tulsi’s YouTubers has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the state government established a modern production studio in the village to support content creators. This initiative was spearheaded by Sarveshwar Bhure, a senior civil servant who recognized the potential of Tulsi’s digital transformation.
Las implicaciones más amplias del éxito de Tulsi
Tulsi’s emergence as a YouTube center illustrates the broader influence of digital platforms on rural areas. By linking creators with international audiences, YouTube has become a significant means for economic and social transformation. For numerous individuals in Tulsi, it has offered a means to transcend traditional restrictions and explore new opportunities.
El profesor Shriram Venkatraman del Instituto Indio de Tecnología señala que plataformas como YouTube han generado una nueva ola de emprendedores rurales. “Algunos incluso inician otros negocios utilizando sus suscriptores como su base inicial de clientes,” comenta, mencionando ejemplos como aldeanos que venden especias caseras o productos para el cuidado del cabello.
Professor Shriram Venkatraman from the Indian Institute of Technology notes that platforms like YouTube have created a new wave of rural entrepreneurs. “Some even start other businesses using their subscribers as their initial customer base,” he says, citing examples like villagers selling homemade spices or hair care products.
However, the success of Tulsi’s creators is about more than just money. For some, like rapper Rajesh Diwar, YouTube is a means of cultural expression. Diwar hopes to popularize rap in his regional language, bringing a fresh sound to the area. “I want to make Tulsi known for its music as much as its videos,” he says.
Mientras YouTube celebra su 20.º aniversario, Tulsi se erige como un testimonio del poder transformador de la plataforma. Lo que comenzó como un experimento creativo de unos pocos individuos se ha convertido en un movimiento comunitario, transformando las vidas de miles.
As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, Tulsi stands as a testament to the platform’s transformative power. What began as a creative experiment by a few individuals has grown into a community-wide movement, reshaping the lives of thousands.
For young women like Pinky Sahoo, YouTube has turned dreams of acting into reality. For community leaders like Draupadi Vaishnu, it has provided a platform to promote equality and social change. And for villagers like Ramkali Varma, it has brought a sense of pride and purpose.
Tulsi’s story is a reminder that technology, when embraced thoughtfully, can empower even the most remote communities. By leveraging the global reach of platforms like YouTube, villages like Tulsi are not just participating in the digital age—they are shaping it.
