New Delhi: Sridhar Vembu, an Indian billionaire business magnate and the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Zoho Corporation, has called on Indians to prioritize developing technological capabilities within India rather than seeking validation through achievements abroad.
Sridhar Vembu’s observation came amidst the ongoing debate about Indian immigration and talent retention.
He posted on X: “To earn true respect in the world, Indians have to develop deep capabilities in India. Achievements abroad won’t do it. I hope smart Indians keep this in mind.”
“As an Indian, I work hard to retain talent in India because we so badly need the talent to develop India’s technology capability,” said Vembu as he praised America’s immigrant-friendly policies while questioning the sustainability of relying heavily on imported talent.
Referring to the multifaceted undercurrents of the migration of talent internationally, he noted that while opposition to immigration can sometimes emanate from racism and xenophobia, it makes sense to discuss the feasibility of the dependence and reliance on human resource hired from abroad.
To underscore his point, Vembu pointed out that American companies have historically preferred importing talent over developing it domestically.
Articulating on a study about Indian immigration to the United States, Vembu acknowledged America’s success in attracting and integrating global talent while expressing his commitment to retaining skilled professionals in India while he emphasised the critical need for talent to advance India’s technological capabilities.
The dialogue veered, touching on broader themes of national development and talent retention. Vembu posed a thoughtful question about prioritizing GDP rankings and technological leadership through imported talent.
“Is it worth the bragging rights to be the number 1 in GDP or number 1 in AI or whatever, achieved with imported talent, but at the price of leaving your own people behind?” he asked.
Sridhar Vembu is the 39th richest person in India with a net worth of $5.85 billion, as of 2024, according to Forbes. He was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Shri, in 2021.
Sridhar Vembu & siblings are ranked 51st with a net worth of $5.8 billion on the list of India’s 100 richest tycoons, dated October 9, 2024, as per Forbes.
