Since instant messaging apps like WhatsApp continue to dominate the Indian market. There is an Indian app called Arattai that is trying to compete with giants like WhatsApp. The individual behind this is Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu.
Sridhar Vembu has recently become popular for his sharp opinions and strong views on privacy. He is also highly active on X (formerly Twitter), where he regularly shares updates, thoughts on technology, policy, education, and occasionally responds directly to users.
His consistent tweets on X play a key role in bringing Arattai into positioning it as more than just another instant messaging app. Below we have mentioned in detail about Sridhar Vembu
What Is Sridhar Vembu’s Educational Background?
Sridhar Vembu has a strong academic foundation. He completed his engineering degree from IIT Madras, one of India’s top technical institutes. He later moved to the United States, where he earned a PhD from Princeton University.
Despite having opportunities to build a long career in Silicon Valley, he chose a different path. He returned to India
Why Did He Choose Rural India Over Big Cities?
One of the most striking aspects of his life is his decision to live and work from a small village in Tamil Nadu instead of a metro city. He believes that talent is evenly spread across the country, even if opportunities are not.
By operating from rural India, Sridhar Vembu wants to prove that world-class software can be developed outside expensive urban hubs. This idea has also helped Zoho reduce costs, stay independent, and create jobs in smaller towns.
How Did He Build Zoho Differently?
Zoho stands out because it was built without external investors or venture capital funding. Vembu focused on steady growth and long-term sustainability rather than chasing rapid expansion.
Another major initiative under his leadership is Zoho Schools of Learning, a program that trains students in software skills without traditional college degrees. Many graduates of this program now work at Zoho, reflecting his belief that skills matter more than certificates.
What Is Arattai?
Arattai is a messaging app developed by Zoho. The word “Arattai” means casual conversation in Tamil. The app offers features like personal and group chats, voice and video calls, and broadcast channels.
What sets Arattai apart is its privacy-first approach. Unlike many popular messaging platforms, Arattai does not depend on advertising or user data for revenue. Sridhar Vembu has also supported the rollout of end-to-end encryption, reinforcing trust and security.
Why Is Arattai Suddenly Gaining Attention?
In late 2025, Arattai witnessed a sharp rise in downloads, with daily user sign-ups growing rapidly. Increased awareness around data privacy and support from public figures helped the app gain visibility.
Vembu has also spoken about making Arattai more open and interoperable in the future, similar to how UPI works, so users are not locked into a single platform.
