In the heart of Chhattisgarh, the small village of Tulsi has undergone an extraordinary transformation, emerging as India’s “YouTube Village.” Once a quiet rural outpost, Tulsi is now home to a growing community of content creators, with more than 1,000 villagers actively engaged in producing online videos.
On any given morning, locals gather under banyan trees or in open fields, not just for farm work but to film viral content. Whether it’s YouTuber Jai Varma staging a traditional festival scene or Rajesh Diwar showcasing hip-hop moves, the village has become a microcosm of how social media can reshape economies and societies.
From Farming to Filmmaking
Tulsi’s journey into the digital age began in 2018, when Jai Varma and his friend Gyanendra Shukla launched their YouTube channel, Being Chhattisgarhiya. Their third video—a comedic yet socially relevant piece about Valentine’s Day harassment—went viral, drawing tens of thousands of followers within months.
“We wanted to do something different, something creative,” Varma recalls. Their success soon inspired other villagers, leading to the creation of dozens of new channels. Some focused on comedy sketches, others on cultural performances, and a few, like Pinky Sahoo, used YouTube as a stepping stone to bigger dreams.
The Rise of a Social Media Star
For 27-year-old Pinky Sahoo, YouTube was more than just an entertainment platform—it was her ticket to the film industry. Raised in a conservative rural setting where acting was frowned upon, Sahoo defied expectations by posting dance videos on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
Her talent caught the attention of Being Chhattisgarhiya, and she soon became a regular in their productions. Her performances then led to a breakthrough role in regional films, making her Tulsi’s first social media star to transition to cinema.
Economic & Social Impact
The financial benefits of YouTube have transformed Tulsi’s local economy. Many villagers now earn a steady income from their videos, reducing reliance on traditional agriculture. Encouraged by this success, the state government set up a modern production studio in Tulsi in 2023, helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural India.
“It’s not just about money,” says local farmer Netram Yadav, 49. “It’s about giving young people purpose and keeping them away from bad habits.”
As YouTube marks its 20th anniversary in February 2025, Tulsi stands as a testament to the power of digital media—a place where creativity, technology, and opportunity have merged to create an unexpected revolution in the Indian countryside.
