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.
El auge de la revolución de YouTube en Tulsi
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.
. 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.
From Farmlands to Filming Locations
From fields to film sets
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
, 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, 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.
Incluso las mujeres que inicialmente participaron en videos como voluntarias ahora gestionan sus propios canales. Rahul Varma, fotógrafo de bodas y YouTuber a tiempo parcial, señala que la plataforma ha abierto oportunidades sin precedentes para las mujeres en Tulsi. “Al principio, nuestras madres y hermanas solo ayudaban. Ahora, son ellas las que están creando contenido,” comenta.
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
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.
The Wider Impact of Tulsi’s Achievement
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 a sus suscriptores como su base inicial de clientes,” comenta, mencionando ejemplos como aldeanos vendiendo especias caseras o productos para el cuidado del cabello.
Sin embargo, 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 idioma regional, aportando un sonido nuevo a la zona. “Quiero que Tulsi sea conocida tanto por su música como por sus videos,” afirma.
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.
