Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Who is Dhruv Rathee and why has he been in the news recently?

With over 21.56 million subscribers (combined) and over 4 billion (combined) views, Dhruv Rathee’s influence extends far beyond the digital realm.

Who is Dhruv Rathee and why has he been in the news recently?

In the midst of India's election fervour, one name has been making waves across social media platforms: Dhruv Rathee. A YouTuber and social media activist, Rathee has garnered attention for his commentary on political and social issues.

With over 21.56 million subscribers (combined) and over 4 billion (combined) views, Rathee's influence extends far beyond the digital realm.


His recent videos, including ones questioning the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, have captured the attention of millions. He has emerged as a strong anti-establishment voice during the current elections. Rathee's journey to prominence began long before the current election cycle.

Born in Haryana and educated in Germany, he initially gained traction on YouTube for his travel vlogs. However, as his platform grew, Rathee shifted his focus towards addressing pressing issues about India, current affairs, and societal issues, earning praise for his fact-checking and explanatory content.

Rathee’s recent videos are being shared widely across India. His video “Is India becoming a Dictatorship?” has garnered over 24 million views, while his video titled "Arvind Kejriwal Jailed! | DICTATORSHIP Confirmed?" has gathered over 31 million views. His other video topics including "Reality of Unemployment Crisis", "The WhatsApp Mafia and the Electoral Bonds Scam", "Reality of "Mera Abdul" | The Hindu-Muslim Brainwash Agenda", and "Ladakh is Dying" have all amassed millions of views.

Banker Mintu Kalita, student Arshik Deka of Nagaon, editor-activist Paresh Malakar, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) general secretary Pradyut Bhuyan in Guwahati, lawyer Bismoi Das of Barpeta, and political activist Ashraful Islam of Dhubri confirmed in separate interactions with India's The Telegraph newspaper that Rathee’s videos are being widely circulated in the state, especially by the youth.

Rathee was born into a Hindu Jat family and received his primary education in Haryana before pursuing higher education in Germany. Rathee earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, followed by a master's degree in renewable energy from the same institution.

Rathee, other than accusing the government of acting like dictators, has also pointed out the silencing of critics, use of federal investigation agencies against opposition, and suppression of farmer protests.

"People have lost faith in traditional media," Rathee told Reuters from Germany. "They are turning to independent journalists on social media for real issues."

In his video, the 29-year-old says, "The media has been bought. Every institution is compromised, opposition leaders arrested. Who is left? Only we, the people. We are the last hope. Protecting Indian democracy is our duty."

Rathee, in the past, has covered various topics in his videos, such as the 2022 Muhammad remarks controversy, 2022 Morbi bridge collapse, 2019 Pulwama attack, 2023 Indian wrestlers' protest, and 2023 Manipur violence. He also introduced Pee News, a satirical "fake news" segment.

In July 2020, Rathee started another YouTube channel called Dhruv Rathee Vlogs, where he shares international travel vlogs. He hosts various shows like DW Travel of Deutsche Welle and Decode with Dhruv of Netflix India.

Due to his recent videos, Rathee has been targeted by some people, especially on social media, with accusations and attempts to discredit his work. Responding to fake news, Rathee has denied false reports about his wife's family being from Pakistan. Some WhatsApp messages in circulation claimed that Dhruv Rathee is not his real name and he is also from the neighbouring country, reported the Deccan Chronicle newspaper.

The YouTuber clarified and said, "They have no answer to the videos I made so they're spreading these fake claims. And how desperate do you have to be to drag my wife's family into this? You can also see the disgusting moral standard of these IT Cell employees."

Rathee, who was one of TIME’s 2023 Next Generation Leaders, in an email interview with India's Frontline magazine, said that questioning the government is the “only way to ensure we keep improving as a country”.

Since February 2022, Rathee has run a shorts channel for 30-second fact videos, offering a quick way for viewers to engage with information. In September 2022, his video on the political crisis in Pakistan was blocked by India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting due to a distorted map of India.

On April 18, 2024, Rathee announced five new YouTube channels focusing on publishing dubbed videos in five Indian regional languages: Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada.

Rathee resides in Germany, and in November 2021, he married his long-time girlfriend Juli Lbr in Vienna, Austria.

At a time when most analysts are predicting a comfortable win for Modi in India elections, and the opposition looks in disarray, Rathee's videos have become a voice for those who are not happy with the government and want a change.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less