Ministry of Culture and YouTube sign MoU to amplify and champion Indian Traditional Folk and Tribal Music on a global stage

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, with YouTube to promote and amplify Indian traditional folk and tribal music on a global stage in New Delhi.

Purpose of the MoU
- To promote and amplify Indian traditional folk and tribal music globally.
- To empower artists with digital tools, training, and sustainable pathways for visibility and livelihood.

Government’s Role
- Ministry of Culture will provide strategic leadership, oversight, and infrastructure.
- Focus on democratizing access so artists from remote regions can showcase their traditions.
- Support through autonomous institutions with facilities like recording equipment, localized educational materials, and mentorship.

YouTube’s Role
- Provide training on digital content creation best practices, channel management, monetization, and copyright awareness.
- Help artists understand audience insights via YouTube analytics.
- Offer a global platform to connect with new audiences and build careers online.

Broader Impact
- Strengthens India’s creative economy by turning folk musicians into independent entrepreneurs.
- Preserves diverse traditions while ensuring they resonate with future generations.
- Bridges gaps in global visibility, digital distribution, and rights awareness for folk and tribal music.

Voices from the Event
- Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Emphasized nurturing India’s creative economy and empowering artists.
- Secretary Vivek Aggarwal: Highlighted democratizing access and enabling self-reliance for folk artists.
- Gunjan Soni (YouTube India MD): Stressed combining cultural engagement with YouTube’s reach to empower creators worldwide.

This initiative is essentially about digitally safeguarding India’s cultural heritage while giving artists the means to thrive in the modern content economy.