Travel Vlogger Yatra Guruji Accused of Cultural Exploitation in Nagaland Videos
The backlash has prompted calls for legal action, content removal, and a broader reckoning on digital ethics.
KOHIMA- Yatra Guruji, a Rajasthan-based travel vlogger, has ignited a firestorm of criticism over a series of YouTube videos accused of being deeply offensive and inappropriate toward women from Nagaland and tribal communities.
The controversy, which has gained traction over the past week, centers on the vlogger’s use of sensationalized thumbnails and provocative titles that critics claim objectify and sexualize Naga women while perpetuating harmful stereotypes about indigenous cultures. The backlash has prompted calls for legal action, content removal, and a broader reckoning on digital ethics.
The offending videos, primarily focused on Nagaland and other Northeast regions, feature thumbnails depicting tribal women in exaggerated or suggestive poses, paired with titles such as “Nagaland mai haseeno ka bazar” and “jawan ladkiya nahi phenti kapde” .
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These have been widely condemned as dehumanizing, sexist, and racist, reducing the rich cultural heritage of Naga and tribal communities to clickbait for views. Social media users, activists, and community leaders have accused Yatra Guruji of exploiting marginalized groups for profit, fostering voyeuristic attitudes, and undermining the dignity of indigenous women.
The controversy erupted after screenshots of the thumbnails circulated widely on platforms like Twitter/X and Instagram, amplifying public outrage. Student groups and civil society organizations in Nagaland have issued strong statements, arguing that such portrayals contribute to harmful misperceptions and reinforce stereotypes that marginalize tribal identities.
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“This is not just about one vlogger; it’s about the systemic exploitation of our culture for digital clout,” said a representative from a Nagaland-based student union. They emphasized that Naga women, often celebrated for their strength and contributions to society, are being reduced to superficial tropes in these videos.
एक बार नागालैंड दिखाना ज़रूरी है, @rupin1992 जी pic.twitter.com/LYOtAlPzSV
— Temjen Imna Along (@AlongImna) June 22, 2025
Legal action is being sought by some activists, who have tagged authorities like the Mumbai Police and Nagaland’s Director General of Police in their appeals. They argue that Yatra Guruji’s content violates the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which protects marginalized communities from derogatory portrayals and discrimination.
A YouTuber called Yatra Guruji is dehumanising & sexualising tribal girls in his thumbnail for views. His thumbnail reads “Nagaland mai haseeno ka bazar”, “jawan ladkiya nahi phenti kapde”. Dear @MumbaiPolice @DGP_Nagaland kindly take action this guy under ST SC Atrocities act. pic.twitter.com/zxBMRqlDxX
— Heenu🏩 (@Heenu_Ri) June 22, 2025
A post on X stated, “Dear @MumbaiPolice, @DGP_Nagaland , kindly take action against this guy under ST SC Atrocities Act,” highlighting the thumbnails’ inflammatory language.
While no formal case has been confirmed as of June 24, 2025, the pressure on law enforcement is mounting.
Yatra Guruji, whose real identity remains less publicized, has not issued a public response to the allegations as of this report.
The situation remains fluid, with activists and community leaders vowing to continue their campaign until the videos are removed and appropriate action is taken.
