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.
El pueblo ha experimentado un notable cambio desde 2018, cuando las redes sociales comenzaron a formar parte de su vida cotidiana. Hoy en día, YouTube no es solo una fuente de entretenimiento en Tulsi; es un motor para el crecimiento económico, reformas sociales y la adopción tecnológica. Los habitantes ahora consideran la plataforma como una forma de conectar la vida rural con la urbana, brindando oportunidades que antes eran impensables en esta comunidad agrícola.
The emergence of Tulsi’s YouTube transformation
El camino de Tulsi hacia convertirse en un centro de creación de contenido comenzó de manera humilde. En 2018, Jai Varma, un habitante del pueblo, junto a su amigo Gyanendra Shukla, decidió iniciar un canal de YouTube llamado 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.
When their subscriber count surpassed 125,000 and their videos accumulated over 260 million total views, Varma and Shukla had proven the doubters in their families wrong, those who had questioned their commitment to YouTube. Their achievement motivated others in Tulsi to emulate them. Some locals launched their own channels, while others volunteered to perform in videos or help with production. The income generated from YouTube not only supported the creators but also boosted the local economy.
De los campos a los platós
From fields to film sets
Strolling through Tulsi today, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t played a part in a YouTube production. Farmers pause their work in the fields to participate in videos, while young creators choreograph dance routines or stage skits under the village’s banyan trees. For many, YouTube has become a gateway to new possibilities.
, obtuvo su primera oportunidad en sus videos. Su talento pronto llamó la atención de cineastas regionales, y desde entonces ha participado en siete películas. Para Sahoo, YouTube fue un trampolín hacia la gran pantalla, demostrando que incluso en pueblos remotos, el talento puede llegar a audiencias más amplias.
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, 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.
For homemaker Ramkali Varma, acting in YouTube videos has become a source of fulfillment. Known for her portrayals of loving mothers, she has become one of the most sought-after actors in the village. “Through my roles, I can advocate for women’s education and success. Acting brings me peace of mind,” she says.
The achievements of Tulsi’s YouTubers have captured attention. In 2023, the state government set up a contemporary production studio in the village to assist content creators. This initiative was led by Sarveshwar Bhure, a senior government official who saw the promise in Tulsi’s digital evolution.
“Queríamos cerrar la brecha entre la vida rural y urbana proporcionando infraestructura tecnológica,” explica Bhure. El estudio no solo ha mejorado la calidad de las producciones locales, sino que también ha incentivado a más residentes a considerar la creación de contenido como una carrera viable.
The Wider Impact of Tulsi’s Achievement
The broader implications of Tulsi’s success
Tulsi’s rise as a YouTube hub reflects the broader impact of digital platforms on rural communities. By connecting creators with global audiences, YouTube has become a powerful tool for economic and social change. For many in Tulsi, it has provided a way to escape traditional limitations and explore new possibilities.
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.
Blueprint for Tomorrow
Al celebrar YouTube su 20º aniversario, Tulsi se erige como un testimonio del poder transformador de la plataforma. Lo que comenzó como un experimento creativo por parte de unos pocos se ha convertido en un movimiento comunitario, remodelando la vida 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.