by 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
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.
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.
From fields to film sets
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.
, she gained her first break in their videos. Her talent soon caught the attention of regional filmmakers, and she has since appeared in seven films. For Sahoo, YouTube served as a stepping stone to the big screen, proving that even in remote villages, talent can find its way to wider audiences.
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
team, where he honed his skills as a writer and director. Today, Bhagel is set to work on a big-budget regional film, fulfilling a dream he once thought unattainable.
Uno de los aspectos más transformadores del auge de YouTube en Tulsi ha sido su impacto en las mujeres de la comunidad. En una sociedad donde los roles de género tradicionales a menudo restringen las oportunidades para las mujeres, YouTube ha brindado un espacio para el empoderamiento y la autoexpresión.
One of the most transformative aspects of Tulsi’s YouTube boom has been its impact on women in the community. In a society where traditional gender roles often limit opportunities for women, YouTube has provided a platform for empowerment and self-expression.
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.
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.
“We aimed to connect rural and urban life by offering technological resources,” Bhure explains. The studio has not only improved the quality of local productions but has also encouraged more villagers to consider content creation as a feasible career path.
“We wanted to bridge the gap between rural and urban life by providing technological infrastructure,” Bhure explains. The studio has not only enhanced the quality of local productions but has also motivated more residents to explore content creation as a viable career.
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.
Un modelo para el futuro
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.
