Sridhar Vembu Discusses Arattai: A New Indian Messaging Platform with a Unique Twist

Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, introduces Arattai, a new messaging platform inspired by Indian culture. Designed as an alternative to WhatsApp, Arattai emphasizes fun and community while maintaining technological control for national security. Vembu shares insights on the app's rapid growth, its unique features, and the ambition to reach over a billion users, showcasing India's potential in tech innovation.

In a recent interview, Sridhar Vembu, the CEO of Zoho, shared insights about his latest venture, Arattai, a messaging platform that aims to provide an alternative to popular apps like WhatsApp and Twitter. This discussion comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in Indian technology and a push for Swadeshi, or indigenous products.

What is Arattai?

Arattai, which translates to a form of light-hearted conversation or chitchat in various Indian languages, is designed to embody the spirit of casual, friendly communication. Vembu describes it as akin to the English phrase "shooting the breeze," where conversations flow without a specific purpose. This cultural nuance is central to the app's identity, making it more than just a messaging service.

Features and Functionality

While Arattai shares similarities with WhatsApp, Vembu emphasizes that it is built as a platform with significant differences. The app is designed to be fun and engaging, reflecting the informal nature of conversations in Indian villages. Vembu notes that the app has experienced a remarkable increase in downloads, with a reported growth of up to a thousandfold in just a short period. This surge has prompted the engineering team to work diligently to keep up with the demand.

The Vision Behind Arattai

Vembu explains that the motivation for developing Arattai stems from a need for India to have control over its technological tools. He believes that technology can be weaponized against nations, and thus, having homegrown solutions is crucial for national sovereignty and security. The development of Arattai is part of a broader strategy to ensure that India can leverage technology for its own purposes, enhancing national prosperity.

Technological Foundations

The app is built on the same technological foundations as Zoho's existing business software, Zoho Click. This cross-pollination of technology not only enhances Arattai's capabilities but also provides competitive advantages in the business software arena. Vembu highlights the importance of optimizing the app for low-end devices and low bandwidth, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Vembu expresses ambitious goals for Arattai, aiming for over a billion users. He envisions the app evolving into a comprehensive platform similar to WeChat in China, which offers a multitude of services beyond messaging. The development team is working to accelerate the app's technological backend, with plans to ramp up marketing efforts in the coming months.

Conclusion

Sridhar Vembu's vision for Arattai reflects a blend of cultural significance and technological innovation. By creating a platform that resonates with Indian users while ensuring control over technology, Vembu aims to showcase the potential of rural talent in building world-class products. As Arattai prepares for its official launch, it stands as a testament to India's growing influence in the tech landscape, promising a unique alternative to existing messaging platforms.

Understanding Dharmic Capitalism: Insights from Zoho's Sridhar Vembu

ridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho, discusses dharmic capitalism, drawing from Tamil culture and the legacy of historical figures. He emphasizes the importance of building for public benefit, sustainability, and integrating spirituality into capitalism, advocating for a holistic approach to business that addresses societal needs.

In a recent discussion, Sridhar Vembu, the CEO of Zoho, delves into the concept of dharmic capitalism, a philosophy that intertwines business practices with ethical and spiritual considerations. Drawing from his Tamil heritage and personal experiences, Vembu presents a compelling argument for a capitalism that serves the greater good.

What is Dharmic Capitalism?

Dharmic capitalism is a term that encapsulates the idea of conducting business in a manner that is not solely profit-driven but also considers the welfare of society and the environment. Vembu illustrates this concept through a historical example from Tamil culture, specifically referencing the Rajaraja Chola temple in Tanjore, which has stood for over a thousand years.

A Lesson from History

Vembu recalls his childhood visits to the temple, built by the Chola dynasty, and reflects on the contrast between the enduring temple and the remnants of the king's palace, which has eroded over time. He notes that the king chose to invest in a structure that would benefit the public rather than in a personal palace that would not stand the test of time. This choice exemplifies the essence of dharmic capitalism: prioritizing public benefit over personal gain.

The Role of Money in Dharmic Capitalism

Vembu shares his personal perspective on wealth and the purpose of money. At 57, he feels that his personal needs are simple and that he does not require additional wealth. However, he recognizes the pressing needs within society, such as investments in long-term research and development, rural education, healthcare, and skill development programs.

Money with a Purpose

For Vembu, money is a tool that should be used to address societal challenges. He believes that dharmic capitalism links the generation of wealth with the responsibility to invest in the community and the environment. This approach emphasizes that financial success should not be an end in itself but a means to foster positive change.

The Intersection of Spirituality and Capitalism

During the conversation, Vembu touches on the idea of Gandhian capitalism, which he describes as a blend of spirituality and business. He argues that Gandhi's teachings, rooted in respect for all life and the environment, should inform modern capitalist practices.

A Holistic Approach

Vembu asserts that spirituality should not be separated from capitalism. Instead, he advocates for a holistic view where ethical considerations are integrated into business decisions. He emphasizes the need for sustainability, respect for nature, and a commitment to the well-being of all living beings.

Conclusion

Sridhar Vembu's insights into dharmic capitalism challenge conventional notions of business and wealth. By advocating for a model that prioritizes public benefit and sustainability, he encourages a rethinking of how we approach capitalism in today's world. His reflections serve as a reminder that the true measure of success lies not just in financial gain but in the positive impact we can have on society and the environment.

Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu’s Visionary on Building India Ground Up 

Anand Ranganathan On Gandhi • மகாத்மா காந்தியின் உண்மை முகம் • You Know About Real Gandhi Mind - The Controversial Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi:

Hindus should not harbour anger against Muslims even if the latter want to destroy and kill us all. We should face death bravely. If Muslims established their rule after killing all Hindus, we would be ushering in a new India. - Mahatma Gandhi

Wishing you a happy Gandhi Jayanti. pic.twitter.com/2RvsCUxqF6

— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) October 1, 2025

This blog post explores the controversial aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's life, including his treatment of women, racist views, and questionable decisions during critical historical events. It challenges the glorified image of Gandhi and presents a more nuanced understanding of his legacy.

Mahatma Gandhi is often celebrated as a symbol of peace and non-violence, but a closer examination of his life reveals a more complex and controversial figure. This blog post delves into some lesser-known facts about Gandhi that challenge the glorified image many hold of him.

The Transformation of a Hymn

The well-known hymn "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram" was originally composed by Pandit Lakshana G. However, it was altered by Gandhi to include references to Allah, showcasing his desire to promote unity among different religions. This change reflects Gandhi's broader vision for India, but it also raises questions about his approach to cultural and religious identities.

Disturbing Incidents During the Noakhali Riots

During the Noakhali riots, a troubling incident involving Gandhi's grandniece, Manu, came to light. At just 16 years old, Manu was forced to retrieve a pumice stone that Gandhi had misplaced. After a grueling 30-mile journey, she returned only to be met with a shocking response from Gandhi, who expressed that he would have been pleased had she been harmed during her ordeal. This incident, recounted by Gandhi's grandson Rajmohan Gandhi, highlights a troubling aspect of his character.

Coercion and Celibacy Experiments

Gandhi's experiments with celibacy involved coercing young women to sleep beside him, ostensibly to test his own self-control. Many women left his ashram in disgust, and even prominent leaders like Sardar Patel criticized these actions as misguided. This raises serious ethical questions about Gandhi's treatment of women and his understanding of consent.

Medical Decisions and Personal Beliefs

Gandhi's medical decisions also reflect a troubling disregard for conventional medicine. When his wife, Kasturba, was suffering from pneumonia, he refused her penicillin, believing that prayer would suffice. Tragically, she died shortly thereafter. In stark contrast, Gandhi accepted quinine for his own malaria treatment, revealing a double standard in his beliefs about health and healing.

Racist Ideologies

Gandhi's views on race are another aspect of his legacy that cannot be overlooked. He expressed racist sentiments, stating that white people should dominate and describing black individuals in derogatory terms. His writings reveal a deep-seated prejudice that contradicts the values of equality and justice he is often associated with.

Justifying Tragedy

In a shocking statement, Gandhi attributed the devastating 1934 Bihar earthquake, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, to divine punishment. This perspective not only reflects a troubling worldview but also shows a lack of empathy for the victims, including innocent children.

Pacifism in the Face of Evil

Gandhi's pacifist approach during critical historical moments raises further questions about his judgment. On the eve of World War II, he urged the British to resist Nazism without arms, suggesting that they should allow themselves to be slaughtered rather than fight back. His advice to the Jewish community during the Holocaust was equally alarming; he suggested they should disarm Hitler through prayer and self-sacrifice, a stance that many find morally indefensible.

Caste and Class Issues

Gandhi's views on caste also reveal a troubling aspect of his ideology. He advocated for the lower classes to remain in their traditional occupations, which many, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, criticized as a form of casteism. This perspective undermines the fight for equality and social justice that Gandhi is often credited with championing.

A Call for Sacrifice

In the context of the violence surrounding the partition of India, Gandhi's call for Hindus to face death rather than retaliate against Muslims raises serious ethical concerns. He urged Hindus to suppress their anger and accept their fate, a stance that many view as dangerously naive and morally questionable.

Conclusion: A Complex Legacy

The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi is undeniably complex. While he is celebrated for his contributions to India's independence and his philosophy of non-violence, it is crucial to acknowledge the darker aspects of his life and beliefs. From his treatment of women to his racist ideologies and questionable moral decisions, Gandhi's actions invite scrutiny and debate. As we reflect on his legacy, it is essential to engage with these complexities rather than accept a simplified narrative.

As we approach Gandhi Jayanti, it is worth considering whether we can celebrate a figure whose actions and beliefs are so deeply contested. The choice is ultimately up to each individual, but understanding the full scope of Gandhi's life is essential for a nuanced appreciation of his impact on history. 

The Original Lyrics of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram before its secularisation by Gandhi.

The Power of Quantum Thinking: Insights from Dr. Vandana Shiva

Dr. Vandana Shiva discusses the transformative power of quantum thinking, emphasizing interconnectedness and the shift from mechanistic to quantum paradigms. She highlights the importance of consciousness in understanding reality and the implications for ecological and social justice.

In a thought-provoking presentation at the Consciousness Symposium 2024, Dr. Vandana Shiva, a renowned Indian scholar, author, and activist, shared her insights on quantum thinking and its implications for our understanding of consciousness and the interconnectedness of life. With a PhD in physics and over 20 books to her name, Dr. Shiva is a prominent figure in the anti-GMO movement and has dedicated her life to ecological and social justice.

Understanding Apath and Entanglement

Dr. Shiva began her talk by introducing the concept of "apath," a South African term that signifies separateness and superiority. She contrasted this with the idea of an entangled world, where all life is interconnected. This perspective challenges the mechanistic worldview that has dominated scientific thought for centuries, which views life as a series of static objects rather than dynamic, interconnected processes.

The Shift from Mechanistic to Quantum Paradigms

Dr. Shiva emphasized that quantum theory emerged over a century ago, fundamentally challenging the mechanistic paradigm. Quantum theory reveals that the world is not made up of static entities but is instead characterized by potential and transition probabilities. This shift opens up new possibilities for understanding reality, as it recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings through principles such as non-locality and entanglement.

Key Principles of Quantum Thinking

Non-Dualism: Quantum theory suggests that there is no separation between the observer and the observed. This non-dualistic perspective aligns with ancient philosophies, particularly those from India, which emphasize the interconnectedness of all life.

Non-Locality: The concept of non-locality, illustrated by Einstein's EPR paradox, indicates that particles can remain connected regardless of the distance separating them. This challenges the notion of separateness and highlights the illusion of individual entities.

Indeterminism: Quantum mechanics embraces uncertainty and indeterminism, suggesting that potentiality is a fundamental aspect of reality. This contrasts sharply with the deterministic views of classical physics.

Wholeness: In quantum mechanics, the whole determines the parts, rather than the other way around. This principle encourages a holistic understanding of nature, where everything is interrelated.

The Role of Consciousness

Dr. Shiva posited that consciousness is fundamental to understanding the universe. She referenced physicists like Max Planck, who regarded consciousness as the basis of all existence, and David Bohm, who spoke of the implicate order of reality. This perspective shifts the focus from viewing consciousness as a mere byproduct of biological processes to recognizing it as a central element of existence.

Consciousness and Ecology

Dr. Shiva connected her insights on quantum thinking to ecological issues, arguing that the mechanistic worldview has led to the exploitation of nature. She highlighted the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness with the environment and the need for a shift towards ecological democracy. This involves understanding that all beings contribute to each other's existence and that our actions have far-reaching consequences.

Practical Implications

Dr. Shiva's work emphasizes the need for a new approach to agriculture and food systems, advocating for biodiversity and sustainable practices. She criticized the Green Revolution and the rise of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), arguing that these practices undermine the health of ecosystems and communities.

The Importance of Biodiversity

Dr. Shiva's research indicates that protecting biodiversity can lead to healthier ecosystems and increased food production. She advocates for measuring health per acre of an ecosystem rather than yield per acre of a commodity, emphasizing the need to consider the well-being of the soil, farmers, and the food produced.

Conclusion

Dr. Vandana Shiva's presentation at the Consciousness Symposium 2024 offered profound insights into the power of quantum thinking and its implications for our understanding of consciousness, ecology, and social justice. By embracing the interconnectedness of all life and recognizing the importance of consciousness, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Her call for ecological democracy and respect for the living world serves as a reminder of our responsibility to nurture the planet and all its inhabitants.

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Sanjeev Sanyal: Judiciary now India’s Biggest Roadblock to Viksit Bharat

Sanjeev Sanyal discusses the critical role of the judiciary in India's economic growth, emphasizing the need for legal reform to overcome systemic hurdles. He critiques the current legal ecosystem, highlighting issues like mandatory mediation and the outdated structure of the legal profession, urging a cultural shift to facilitate progress towards becoming a developed nation.

In a recent address, Sanjeev Sanyal, a prominent economist and policy maker, shared his insights on the role of the judiciary in India's economic landscape. He emphasized that the legal system is currently the most significant barrier to achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat, or a developed India. This blog post will explore Sanyal's arguments regarding the legal ecosystem, the challenges it presents, and the necessary reforms to facilitate India's growth.

India’s Economic Context

India has recently emerged as the world's fourth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest within the next two years. With a demographic window of 20 to 25 years to capitalize on this growth, Sanyal argues that it is crucial for India to accelerate its development during this period. However, he warns that the current state of the judiciary poses a substantial threat to this ambition.

The Judiciary as a Roadblock

Sanyal asserts that the inability to enforce contracts and deliver timely justice is a major constraint on economic progress. He believes that without a significant overhaul of the legal system, other improvements in infrastructure and governance will be rendered ineffective.

The 99-1 Problem

One of the key issues Sanyal highlights is the so-called "99-1 problem." This refers to the tendency of legal frameworks to be shaped by the problems faced by a small minority (1%) of cases, rather than addressing the needs of the majority (99%). As a result, the legal system becomes overly complicated, creating further complications and inefficiencies.

Cultural Change in the Legal Profession

Sanyal calls for a cultural shift within the legal profession. He criticizes the self-congratulatory tone often found in legal conferences and urges legal professionals to acknowledge the systemic issues they face. He emphasizes the need for a more realistic understanding of the legal ecosystem's challenges.

The Issue of Mandatory Mediation

Sanyal points to the introduction of mandatory pre-litigation mediation under the Commercial Courts Act of 2015 as an example of a misguided reform. He notes that between 98% to 99% of these mediations fail, leading to unnecessary delays and costs. Instead of alleviating the burden on the courts, this requirement adds to it, ultimately failing to serve the interests of justice.

Reforming the Legal Framework

Sanyal proposes several reforms to improve the legal system:

Voluntary Mediation: He advocates for making mediation a voluntary process rather than a mandatory one, allowing parties to choose this route without the added pressure of legal requirements.

Simplifying Legal Structures: Sanyal suggests moving away from the hierarchical structure of the legal profession, which resembles a medieval guild. He argues for standardized operating procedures that would allow anyone to represent themselves in legal matters without needing a formal legal degree.

Judicial Appointments: To attract talent to the judiciary, Sanyal recommends a system where judges can rise through the ranks based on merit, rather than being limited to those who have been senior advocates.

Cultural Shift in Legal Language: He criticizes the archaic language used in legal proceedings, such as referring to judges as "my lord" and petitions as "prayers," arguing that this is inappropriate in a democratic society.

Judicial Vacations: Sanyal questions the long vacations taken by the judiciary, suggesting that the court system should not shut down for extended periods, as this hampers access to justice.

The Call to Action

Sanyal concludes his address with a passionate plea for legal professionals to take responsibility for reforming the system. He emphasizes that the time for change is now, as India has a limited window to achieve its developmental goals. He expresses confidence in the ability of citizens and legal professionals to work together towards a more efficient and just legal system.

Conclusion

Sanjeev Sanyal's insights shed light on the critical intersection of law and economic growth in India. By addressing the systemic issues within the judiciary and advocating for meaningful reforms, he believes that India can overcome its current obstacles and move towards becoming a developed nation. The responsibility lies with both the legal profession and the citizens to push for these necessary changes, ensuring that the country does not miss its opportunity for growth and development.

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