Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Calls For 'Swadeshi Spirit' To Drive India’s Tech Growth

Zoho Corporation’s founder and Chief Scientist, Sridhar Vembu, on Tuesday emphasized the importance of embracing a swadeshi spirit across India’s technology sector. Speaking to Times Now, Vembu said, “We need to build all of these technologies here in India using our talent pool… we need to have that swadeshi spirit in us across this nation across every technology field.”

Vembu’s vision has been in the making for over 15 years, with the Arctai messenger software under active development for the past five years. The platform includes homegrown messaging and email services, reflecting Zoho’s commitment to nurturing local talent and technology. Even India’s Home Minister has acknowledged the initiative, highlighting its national significance.

Commitment Beyond Trends

Despite tough competition and previous short-lived attempts at homegrown social platforms, Zoho’s steady progress showcases long-term dedication. Vembu asserted, “We are committed to this long haul… it won’t last, these two shall pass as they say, but we are committed to improving this, making this better for the long haul.”

From Princeton to Tankasi: Building a Vision

Vembu’s journey began at IIT Madras, followed by a PhD at Princeton, originally aiming for research rather than entrepreneurship. His experience at Qualcomm made him question why India wasn’t leading in tech innovation. This reflection inspired the foundation of Zoho.

In 2019, Vembu returned to India with a mission to uplift rural regions, choosing Tankasi as the first district for development. “I want to develop at least one district in my lifetime to see one district come up,” he explained.

Expanding Horizons Across India

Vembu’s plans extend beyond southern India, with new centers opening in Kerala’s Kotakara and forthcoming initiatives in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, regions he identifies as key to India’s future talent. He emphasized the transformative potential of these areas, drawing parallels with the development journey of Tamil Nadu.

To bridge cultural gaps, Vembu encourages Zoho teams to learn regional languages, stating, “They are voluntarily learning Hindi because the customer’s language they have to speak right.”

Zoho’s approach underlines a homegrown technological revolution, driven by skill, perseverance, and a commitment to India-first innovation.