Sridhar Vembu stresses that his advice is free of political bias and remains resilient amidst criticism.
Zoho co-founder and former CEO Sridhar Vembu on Saturday issued a new statement after coming under fire for his remarks expressing “sadness” over the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Many social media users accused Vembu of defending the Narendra Modi government to protect Zoho’s business interests in India.
Without naming any individual or group, Vembo stressed that his views are independent, and said that he will not be influenced by criticism or threats. In his latest post, he sought to bolster this claim by highlighting Zoho’s business model, its revenue sources, and its interactions with governments.
Read also | All about Pralhad Joshi: BJP’s ‘blue-eyed boy’ now takes charge of Education Ministry after Pradhan’s resignation
Vembu says revenues come from outside India
Addressing the criticism, Vembu said about 90% of Zoho’s revenue comes from outside India, and is generated by competing in the global market. He added that only about 2% of the company’s revenue comes from government contracts, and whenever Zoho deals with the government, it ensures value for taxpayers’ money.
“A few facts: About 90% of our revenue comes from outside India, which we win against stiff global competition,” he wrote.
He added: “About 2% of our revenue comes from the government, and when we do business with the government, we always save taxpayer money, which we have the utmost respect for. We are also among the largest taxpayers in our region.”
The post that sparked criticism
Earlier, Vembu expressed disappointment over Pradhan’s resignation and lauded his contribution to the education sector. In a post on X, he wrote: “Shri Dharmendra Pradhan is one of the best government servants I know. He cares deeply about the youth of this nation, especially the rural students.”
Read also | This is the last time a union minister resigned under the Modi government over the protests
He also said that he had several discussions with Pradhan on how to better equip rural youth with skills.
“I am sad to see him resign. He put nation above self, and my respect for him is even greater now. Thank you for your service, Pradhan ji. Please keep fighting the good fight,” he added.
He says he has never sought government services
In X’s new post, Vembo also said he had never asked any government for favors and maintained that his advice was always given without being guided by political ideology.
Read also | “Gen Z, ye kya kar dya tumne?”: Anupam Mittal’s reaction to Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation
He wrote: “I have never asked for favors from the government and I never will. When I am asked for advice, I give it and I do so independently of political ideology – the Kerala Startup Mission, when the Left Front government was in power, wanted my advice. I told them that Keralam has the potential to become a major R&D hub in India. Since then, we have invested in several R&D-based companies in Kerala.”
Referring to Tamil Nadu, he added: “In Tamil Nadu, our Prime Minister has made a great new start and I am happy to support his efforts. Not because of political ideology but because I want good things to happen in Tamil Nadu.”
“I love our nation, and I speak my mind.”
Concluding his post, Vembo said that criticism would not change his approach.
“I love our nation, and I speak my mind. I will not bow to attacks or threats. Attacks make us stronger and help us achieve greater success.”
Follow the latest breaking news, key developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with Hindustan Times Newsdesk. Operating around the clock, the bureau brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across topics affecting public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT Newsdesk covers politics, elections, government policy, economics, business, markets, science and technology, environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across countries, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the News Desk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognized institutions and other official sources. Stories undergo editorial review and verification to ensure accuracy, fairness and appropriateness, and are updated as events develop and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a major policy decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with trusted, fact-based journalism that provides not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read more
Get the latest India news, headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay up to date on politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
