Inside Tulsi: The Village That Became a YouTube Sensation
A short drive from Raipur, near the Tilda-Neora railway station, lies Tulsi village, an unassuming settlement in Chhattisgarh that has taken the digital world by storm. With a population of about 4,000 people, this village has transformed into a hub for viral YouTube content. Walking through Tulsi’s narrow streets, it’s common to see groups filming comedy sketches, dance performances, or DIY tutorials—not just with smartphones, but with full-scale production setups featuring microphones, reflectors, and multiple cameras.
1,000+ YouTubers, 40 Active Channels, and Millions of Views
With over 1,000 villagers actively involved in video creation, Tulsi boasts 40+ active YouTube channels and a staggering 1,000+ videos. Among these, Being Chhattisgarhiya, the first Chhattisgarhi comedy YouTube channel, stands out with 120,000+ subscribers and over 250 videos.
According to Jai Verma, co-founder of Being Chhattisgarhiya, the channel aims to entertain while also preserving the rich heritage and cultural traditions of Chhattisgarh. “Humor is at the core of our content, but the underlying goal is to highlight our festivals, dialect, and traditions,” says Jai.
The YouTube Revolution: How It All Started
The YouTube journey of Tulsi began in 2016, when Jai Verma and Gyanendra Shukla, both Tulsi residents, decided to launch a YouTube channel. Jai, a former teacher, and Gyanendra, a network engineer, initially created content for fun but struggled with video editing and copyright issues.
After multiple setbacks and video takedowns, they mastered the art of YouTube content creation, leading to the launch of Being Chhattisgarhiya in 2018. As their channel’s popularity soared, others in the village followed suit, launching their own channels and forming a community-driven YouTube ecosystem.
The Code of Tulsi: Family-Friendly, Cultural Content
Unlike many content hubs, Tulsi’s YouTubers follow a strict code—all content must be family-friendly and culturally relevant. Their videos are contemporary yet deeply rooted in local traditions.
Recent viral themes include:
- Election-themed content during Chhattisgarh’s political season.
- Cher Chera festival celebrations, a significant harvest festival in January.
- Local folklore and traditional storytelling, featuring insights from village elders.
“We want to keep our culture alive through digital storytelling,” says Gyanendra. “The youth must learn from the past to carry on our traditions.”
Meet Tulsi’s Top YouTube Creators
Beyond Being Chhattisgarhiya, several other channels have gained traction, including:
- Back Benchers Creation – 24,800+ subscribers.
- Nimga Chhattisgadhiya – 9,200+ subscribers.
- Gold CG04 – 6,400+ subscribers (music channel).
- Fun Tapri – 3,000+ subscribers.
The village’s YouTubers collaborate on content ideas, sharing insights on scripting, acting, and cinematography. Many actors in these videos were initially part of Ramlila mandlis, but a new generation of performers has emerged, including Pinky Sahu, who has now transitioned to Chhattisgarhi cinema.
Earnings and Impact: YouTube as a Game-Changer
On average, Tulsi’s YouTubers earn between ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month, primarily through YouTube’s monetization program. Many have also secured brand deals, product endorsements, and small-scale ad film projects.
But beyond financial gains, YouTube has brought a social transformation to Tulsi. Locals believe that digital content creation has steered the village’s youth away from negative influences and towards creative, meaningful pursuits.
The Future of Tulsi’s Digital Revolution
With internet penetration increasing and smartphone technology advancing, Tulsi’s YouTube phenomenon is only expected to grow. More villagers are embracing content creation, leading to a new digital economy in rural India.
Could Tulsi be the blueprint for India’s next wave of digital villages? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this Chhattisgarh village has already carved its name into India’s digital history.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Tulsi, the YouTube Village
Why is Tulsi called the YouTube Village?
Tulsi has over 1,000 villagers involved in content creation, running 40+ YouTube channels with a collective 1,000+ videos.
How did YouTube content creation start in Tulsi?
It began in 2016, when two villagers, Jai Verma and Gyanendra Shukla, launched their first channel. Their success inspired others, leading to a content creation boom.
What kind of content do Tulsi’s YouTubers create?
They produce family-friendly content, focusing on comedy, culture, music, local festivals, and social themes.
Do Tulsi’s YouTubers make money?
Yes. Most channels earn ₹20,000–₹40,000 per month from YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and small-scale brand deals.
How has YouTube changed life in Tulsi?
The YouTube boom has provided financial independence, kept local traditions alive, and kept the youth engaged in productive activities.
Final Thoughts: The Rise of Digital Rural India
Tulsi’s transformation into a content creation hub proves that digital platforms are breaking geographical barriers. This small village has demonstrated that with creativity, collaboration, and consistency, anyone can become a digital success story.
Could Tulsi inspire more villages to embrace digital storytelling? If its continued growth is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.
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