Punchline: Amid rising H-1B visa fees in the US, Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu urges Indians to return and rebuild their futures in India.
On September 22, 2025, Zoho Corporation’s founder and Chief Scientist, st a storm of discussions in India and among Indians living abroad. Reacting to the US government’s sudden decision to charge a massive $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, Vembu urged Indian techies working in America: “Come back home.”
Why Vembu Spoke Up
The US move to raise H-1B visa fees has left many Indian families worried. For decades, Indians have been the biggest group to get H-1B visas, with over 70% of these work permits going to Indian tech professionals. The new fee does not affect people who already have an H-1B or are renewing it, but it does make it very expensive for new applicants. This change could block opportunities for many young engineers and IT workers dreaming of jobs in Silicon Valley.
It was in this moment of uncertainty that Sridhar Vembu, one of India’s most respected tech entrepreneurs, told Indians not to be scared. Instead, he invited them to return to India and start again, saying that India now offers enough chances to grow and succeed.
What Vembu Said
Vembu compared today’s situation with the tragic days of Partition in 1947, when millions of people had to leave their homes and rebuild their lives from nothing. He shared stories of his Sindhi friends whose families lost everything but started over in India and became stronger in the process.
His message was simple and motivational: “Do not live in fear. Make the bold move. You will do well. It may take five years to rebuild, but in the end you will be stronger.” Vembu’s words were aimed at giving courage to H-1B workers who feel stuck between uncertainty in the US and hesitation about moving back to India.
How People Reacted
The response to his message has been mixed:
- Supporters: Many praised his words, saying India has now become a land of opportunity where global companies are being built. They believe Vembu is right in asking talented Indians to invest their skills in India instead of worrying about foreign policies.
- Critics: Some criticized his comparison to Partition, calling it an exaggerated and insensitive analogy. They argued that professional challenges cannot be compared with one of the most painful humanitarian tragedies in history.
- Practical Doubts: A large number of H-1B holders asked practical questions. How will they find jobs at the same salary levels in India? What about their children’s education or housing costs? These real concerns show that coming back home is not an easy decision for everyone.
India’s New Chances
Despite the criticism, Vembu’s message highlights something important: India today is very different from the India of the 1990s or 2000s. The country has a fast-growing startup ecosystem, global SaaS companies, and new opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and fintech.
Zoho itself is a living example of this change. The company has grown into a global software giant while keeping its roots in India, even building offices and R&D centers in small towns. Vembu himself lives in a village in Tamil Nadu, showing that world-class products can be built far away from big cities.
For Indians thinking of returning, this is a sign that they don’t have to give up on ambition. They can create opportunities, start businesses, or join companies that are already competing on the world stage.
What Lies Ahead
Will Vembu’s words make thousands of Indians pack their bags and fly back? Probably not immediately. But his message has certainly started a conversation that goes beyond visas and fees. It raises bigger questions: Should India’s brightest minds always look abroad? Or is it time to see India as the main stage for their careers and dreams?
The US visa fee hike has acted like a wake-up call. For some, it is a push to rethink their plans. For others, it is only a bump in the road. But one thing is clear: India’s tech industry has matured, and it is ready to welcome back its people.
Sridhar Vembu’s voice is not just a suggestion. It is a challenge to see India as a place of hope and future. His words remind us that sometimes, going home is not about going backwards—it is about building something stronger.
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Author: Team BTP
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