News Headline
YouTube content that moved the nation in 2023, and the creators behind it
Mumbai: India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission landed on the moon, and on YouTube, millions aimed for their own “moonshots”. In 2023, aspirants in India connected over navigating UPSC prep – sharing a knowing laugh and finding solidarity with Sandeep Bhaiyya. Viewers sought inspiration – from exploring new art forms, to launching a YouTube channel and orbiting stories of fame.
Content that moved audiences this year came from all parts of the country, across various languages, in wide-ranging genres: a true testament to and celebration of India’s diversity. Here’s a look at 2023’s top trending content and the creators and artists behind it.
Grand Theft Auto stole hearts and captured imaginations, reflecting one of the many ways in which gaming content continues to level up. Gaming creators have been able to immerse viewers with compelling stories by artfully combining gameplay, characters, narrative, comedy and music. Not just in gaming, creators continue to wow audiences with such ingenuity and creativity, across genres and formats.
Here are key trends that continue to shape the digital video landscape:
Ease of creation empowers the next- generation of creators
Access to tools, ease of short-form video and the wide-reaching impact of digital video continues to democratize content creation. This is enabling more people – across age, gender, cultures, professional backgrounds, and languages – to become creators.
This is supercharging the diversity of voices,
powering new genres and growing the staying power of pop culture moments. For instance, Shorts is not only helping level the playing field but also opens doors to a playground of creative tools and formats to help emerging creators push the boundaries of their creativity.
Access to formats and engaged fandoms drive long-lasting trends
With creators and their communities coming from various corners of the country, today, multi-format creation is helping lend more memorability to content. Take for instance: the Tom and Jerry format is a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of the popular cartoon that appeals to young and old alike. A single video can capture the imagination of a nation – whether it is the coming together in rapt attention to watch the moon-landing or diving deeper into the content they love with their favorite creators, like Ashish Chanchlani’s uniquely personal take on a popular show.
Music plays muse for viral masterpieces
A traditionally one-way relationship with music has begun to transcend into a powerful one of creativity and self-expression. Whether to convey an emotion or express a point of view, Music serves as a universal language that appeals to broad audiences. Music videos and Shorts trends helped drive tracks such as Tere Vaaste, Pulsar Bike, Jailer, Company, Naa Ready and Heeriye to the top, inspiring various forms of expression from creators across the country. `
We can’t wait to see how YouTube’s vibrant community of dreamers and doers will continue to express themselves, enhance their creativity and grow their communities in 2024!
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
