Zoho chief scientist Sridhar Vembu has called on Indians living in the United States to return to India, arguing that the nation needs their skills and experience urgently.
In a letter, Vembu said many Indians arrived in the US with limited money but with the strength of India’s education and cultural heritage, and went on to achieve significant success. He added that the US had been good to them and that Indians should remain grateful.
At the same time, he noted that a sizeable section of Americans believe Indians are taking away jobs and view their success as unfair. He cautioned that future political contests could leave Indian immigrants as mere spectators in a clash between extremes.
Vembu wrote that the respect Indians receive globally is closely tied to India’s own standing, and warned against mistaking moralising or criticism from different ideological camps as genuine respect. He argued that in today’s world, dignity, prosperity and security flow from a country’s technological capability.
Saying India is creating the intellectual capacity needed for such capability, he expressed concern that much of this talent is being “exported” to the US. He urged Indians abroad to return—however difficult—to help strengthen India and guide its large youth population with the technological leadership they have gained over the years.
