Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Calls on Indian Diaspora to Return Home
Zoho Corp CEO Sridhar Vembu has made a passionate appeal to Indian professionals and immigrants living abroad, urging them to return to India. He stated the nation needs its most talented citizens to achieve prosperity and build a stronger future.
Key Takeaways
- Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu urges Indian immigrants in the West to return home.
- He cites rising anti-immigrant sentiment abroad and India’s need for talent.
- Vembu himself relocated from the US to rural Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu.
- The call has sparked fresh debate on brain drain and reverse migration.
The Fiscal Impact of Indian Immigrants
Vembu’s comments were sparked by a research report highlighting the substantial contributions of Indian immigrants in the United States. The data revealed that Indian immigrants and their descendants contribute an average of $1.7 million to the US federal budget over 30 years, outperforming all other immigrant groups.
Acknowledging this success, Vembu stated on X,
“India sent her best,”
recognizing the diaspora’s incredible talent.
A Patriotic Appeal to Return
Vembu then shifted to a patriotic appeal, referencing concerns about rising anti-immigrant waves in parts of the West. He posed a direct question to migrants:
“From the migrant perspective, why stay where you are not welcome?”
He followed with a powerful invitation:
“Bharat Mata wants you, needs you and welcomes you! Come home, let’s create a strong and prosperous Bharat,”
Leading by Example
Vembu, an entrepreneur who relocated from the US to the rural area of Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu, emphasized the need to secure the nation’s intellectual future. He wrote,
“I hope India retains its best in the next generation. India also should attract some of the talent that left.”
Igniting a National Debate
This call has reignited the national conversation on ‘brain drain’ and the potential for reverse migration. While many supporters echo the sentiment and praise the opportunity to contribute to India’s growth, others point to pragmatic domestic hurdles that often drive talent abroad.
Zoho’s Work on Arattai Encryption
In related news, Vembu and his team are developing end-to-end encryption features for text messages on the Arattai messenger app. Arattai, positioned as an Indian alternative to WhatsApp, is currently testing this encryption, with its release expected to attract significant local user interest.
