Nitin Gadkari becomes first minister to get YouTube's golden button

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was presented with YouTube’s coveted Golden Button Award on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone of over one million subscribers on his official channel. The award was handed over by Ajay Vidyasagar, the Regional Director of YouTube at Google Asia Pacific, in recognition of Gadkari’s growing influence on the platform. His channel, which has amassed more than 4,200 videos, includes content ranging from speeches, inauguration ceremonies, interviews, and updates on large-scale infrastructure projects in India.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Gadkari expressed his gratitude for the recognition, writing, “A symbol of people's trust and support – honored to receive the Golden Button for sharing the journey with you all! Thank you, YouTube!” His YouTube presence has proven to be an effective channel for connecting with citizens, providing updates on the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' (MoRTH) initiatives, and sharing the progress of key infrastructure projects such as national highways, expressways, and road safety measures.

Gadkari’s digital engagement has significantly expanded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he leveraged online platforms to stay connected with the public. This period saw the launch of several videos detailing various transportation projects, including high-profile initiatives like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and speeches at international conferences and universities. Gadkari’s focus on promoting transparency in governance through these videos has helped his channel gain widespread viewership across the country.

In addition to public speeches and project updates, the channel also features Gadkari’s personal insights and discussions. One of the pinned videos on his channel, titled "Things to Know About Nitin Gadkari," has garnered substantial attention and presents him as a “visionary leader with an impressive track record.” This video, along with others highlighting his achievements in road transport, has contributed to his channel’s appeal among both Indian and global audiences.

Gadkari also shared in a 2021 interview that his YouTube channel generates around Rs 4 lakh per month in royalties. The channel's content has become a primary tool for promoting government transparency, with numerous videos showcasing the development of highways, roads, and infrastructure projects across the country. His channel's wide reach not only strengthens public understanding of government projects but also serves as a model for other politicians and public figures in India to engage with digital platforms.

Despite the accolades, Gadkari’s use of YouTube has sparked mixed reactions. While his efforts to keep the public informed are widely appreciated, critics have pointed out the state of India’s infrastructure, particularly issues such as potholes on national highways and delays in project timelines. Some of his critics have raised concerns over the real impact of the infrastructure projects on public safety and the quality of roads, citing deteriorating conditions in some areas.

A symbol of people’s trust and support – honored to receive the Golden Button for sharing the journey with you all! Thank you, YouTube!#YoutubeGoldenButton@YouTube @YouTubeIndia @ajayvidyasagar pic.twitter.com/Mjaree2Nur

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 6, 2024