En una tranquila región del centro de India se encuentra Tulsi, un pueblo que se asemeja a muchos otros, con sencillas casas de una planta, árboles banianos que brindan sombra para reuniones, y caminos que apenas están asfaltados. Sin embargo, Tulsi se distingue por un notable reconocimiento; ha sido nombrado como el «Pueblo de YouTube» de India. Lo que hace especial a este rincón rural cerca de Raipur, en el estado de Chhattisgarh, es la asombrosa cantidad de sus residentes—más de 1,000 de los 4,000 habitantes—que participan en la creación de contenido para YouTube.
Since 2018, the village has experienced a remarkable shift as social media started becoming an integral part of daily life. Nowadays, in Tulsi, YouTube serves as more than just a medium of entertainment; it acts as a catalyst for economic progress, social change, and the embrace of technology. The locals now view the platform as a tool to connect rural and urban lifestyles, providing opportunities that were once unthinkable in this farming community.
El auge de la revolución de YouTube en Tulsi
The rise of Tulsi’s YouTube revolution
. 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.
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
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
, 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.
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.
Enabling Women via Social Media
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.
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.
Para Ramkali Varma, ama de casa, actuar en videos de YouTube se ha convertido en una fuente de realización personal. Reconocida por interpretar a madres cariñosas, se ha convertido en una de las actrices más solicitadas del pueblo. “A través de mis roles, puedo abogar por la educación y el éxito de las mujeres. Actuar me brinda tranquilidad,” afirma.
Official Backing and a Modern Studio
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.
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
El crecimiento de Tulsi como un centro de YouTube refleja el impacto más amplio de las plataformas digitales en comunidades rurales. Al conectar a los creadores con audiencias globales, YouTube se ha convertido en una herramienta poderosa para el cambio económico y social. Para muchos en Tulsi, ha brindado una forma de escapar de las limitaciones tradicionales y explorar nuevas posibilidades.
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.
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.
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.