Zoho co-founder tells Indians in America to come back, says Bharat Mata needs you

In a time when conversations around migration, jobs, and identity are getting more intense across the world, Sridhar Vembu has written an open letter on X that is drawing both support and criticism. Addressed to Indians living in the United States, his message goes beyond careers and money. It touches on belonging, respect, and what role Indians abroad should play in creating India’s future. His words carry a mix of gratitude, concern, and a direct call to action - come back home.

Vembu begins by recalling a journey familiar to many Indians abroad, arriving in America with limited means but strong educational and cultural roots. He acknowledges the opportunities the country offered, saying, "America was good to us. For that, we must remain grateful - gratitude is our Bharatiya way." But the tone soon changes as he points to a growing discomfort. According to him, a noticeable section of Americans believes Indians "take away" jobs and have succeeded unfairly.

Zoho co-founder tells Indians in America to come back, says Bharat Mata needs you

He goes on to describe a political environment where Indians in the US are caught in an ongoing ideological fight. Without naming sides directly, he says the choice is between "people who hate our Bharatiya civilisation and people who hate civilisation itself," adding that Indians are largely bystanders in this conflict. The remark suggests that long-term stability and respect may not come from staying abroad.

At the centre of his argument is a bigger concern - global respect. Vembu writes that how Indians are viewed worldwide will depend heavily on India’s own progress. "If India remains poor," he notes, "the woke left will give us moral lectures with pity and the hard right with scorn," making it clear that neither amounts to genuine respect. Instead, he believes that real standing in the world comes from technological strength, economic growth, and national capability.

That is where his appeal becomes more direct. Vembu says India already produces enough talent to build that strength but has exported much of it over the years. His solution is straightforward but not easy - reverse that flow. "As difficult as it is for many of you to contemplate this, please come back home. Bharat Mata needs your talent," he writes. He urges Indians abroad to bring back their experience and guide the country’s young population, calling for a “missionary zeal” to build India’s future.

The post quickly went viral, drawing a wide range of reactions. Some users agreed with his point of view. One comment read, "This is such a powerful reality check respect isn’t given out of pity, it’s commanded through technological & economic prowess." Another user spoke about contributing directly to India’s growth, saying, “Bharat doesn’t need our remittances. She needs our presence."

At the same time, many responses raised practical concerns. One user questioned the idea, pointing to long working hours, lower salaries, and high taxes in India without matching public services. Another said that unless the government creates a more business-friendly environment with lower taxes, convincing professionals to return would remain difficult.

The conversation also shows a divide. For some, Vembu’s message connects with a sense of purpose and national pride. For others, it brings up concerns about quality of life, infrastructure, and professional growth. The idea of returning is not just emotional, it is tied to everyday realities that many are not ready to overlook.

As India pushes to strengthen its position in technology and manufacturing, the question of talent - where it works and contributes - has become more important. Vembu’s appeal puts that question in direct terms - should India’s brightest minds continue building success abroad, or bring that experience back home? There may not be one answer, but the discussion he has started is unlikely to end anytime soon.