Dhruv Rathee, hailing from a Hindu Jat household in Haryana, India, completed his early schooling locally before advancing to higher studies in Germany. Rathee earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, followed by a master’s degree in renewable energy from the same institution.
YouTube Journey: Dhruv Rathee started his YouTube channel in 2014. Initially, he focused on travel vlogs and adventure content. However, over time, he shifted his focus to socio-political analysis, fact-checking, and critical commentary on various topics.
Fact-Checking and Research: Dhruv is known for his meticulous research and fact-checking. He often dissects news articles, government policies, and social media claims to provide accurate information to his audience. His commitment to evidence-based analysis has garnered him a loyal following.
Multilingual Content: Dhruv Rathee creates content in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and German. This multilingual approach allows him to reach a diverse audience and bridge language barriers.
Activism and Advocacy: Beyond YouTube, Dhruv actively participates in environmental and social causes. He has been vocal about climate change, clean energy, and political transparency. His advocacy work extends beyond online platforms.
Controversies
Blocked Video on Pakistan’s Political Crisis:
A contentious moment arose for Dhruv Rathee in September 2022, as his video on Pakistan’s political unrest met with a ban from India’s broadcasting authorities.
The ministry claimed that the video contained a distorted map of India, in which parts of Kashmir were depicted as part of Pakistan or labeled as “disputed”.
Criticism for Anti-Government Views:
Dhruv Rathee has been criticized for his anti-government views and perceived bias towards a particular political party.
In May 2018, a police complaint was filed against him in Delhi by a software engineer and BJP volunteer, Vikas Pandey. Rathee accused Pandey of circulating fake news through his Facebook page “I Support Narendra Modi”.
Selective Data Use and Controversial Claims:
Rathee has faced scrutiny for his use of selective data in videos where he casts doubt on various aspects of Indian governance.
Critics argue that he sometimes presents a biased narrative by emphasizing certain data points while ignoring others.
