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
Tulsi’s journey toward becoming a content-creation powerhouse started modestly. In 2018, Jai Varma, a resident of the village, along with his friend Gyanendra Shukla, decided to launch a YouTube channel called Being Chhattisgarhiya
. 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.
De los campos a los platós
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.
Among the most notable success stories is that of 27-year-old Pinky Sahoo. Raised in a traditional setting where acting was discouraged, Sahoo worried that her aspirations of becoming a dancer and actress would never be realized. However, after being noticed by the creators of Being Chhattisgarhiya
One of the most prominent success stories is 27-year-old Pinky Sahoo. Growing up in a conservative environment where acting was frowned upon, Sahoo feared her dreams of becoming a dancer and actress would remain unfulfilled. However, after being discovered by the creators of Being Chhattisgarhiya
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
Meanwhile, young men like Aditya Bhagel have carved out careers behind the camera. Inspired by Varma and Shukla, Bhagel launched his own YouTube channel while still in college and quickly garnered a loyal following. His success earned him a spot on the Being Chhattisgarhiya
Impulsando a las mujeres a través de las redes sociales
Empowering women through social media
Draupadi Vaishnu, who once served as the village head, sees the videos made in Tulsi as key in confronting deeply rooted social norms. She frequently features in videos tackling topics like domestic violence and gender inequality. “These videos contribute to breaking cycles of detrimental practices,” Vaishnu states. In one notable role, she played a supportive mother-in-law urging her daughter-in-law to continue her education, delivering a strong message about the significance of empowering women.
Even women who began by volunteering in videos are now managing their own channels. Rahul Varma, a wedding photographer and part-time YouTuber, observes that the platform has created previously unimaginable opportunities for women in Tulsi. “Initially, our mothers and sisters were merely assisting. Now, they’re the ones generating content,” he remarks.
Even women who initially participated in videos as volunteers are now running their own channels. Rahul Varma, a wedding photographer and part-time YouTuber, notes that the platform has opened up unprecedented opportunities for women in Tulsi. “At first, our mothers and sisters were just helping out. Now, they’re the ones creating content,” he says.
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.
The Wider Impact of Tulsi’s Achievement
The broader implications of Tulsi’s success
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.
No obstante, el éxito de los creadores de Tulsi va más allá del dinero. Para algunos, como el rapero Rajesh Diwar, YouTube es un medio de expresión cultural. Diwar espera popularizar el rap en su lengua regional, introduciendo un sonido nuevo en la zona. “Quiero que Tulsi sea conocida tanto por su música como por sus videos,” afirma.
Un modelo para el futuro
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.
Para jóvenes como Pinky Sahoo, YouTube ha convertido sus sueños de actuar en realidad. Para líderes comunitarios como Draupadi Vaishnu, ha ofrecido una plataforma para promover la igualdad y el cambio social. Y para aldeanos como Ramkali Varma, ha traído un sentido de orgullo y propósito.
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.
