They don't speak perfect English, not obsessed with JEE or NEET coaching: Zoho's Rs 50,000 crore founder backs rural India's talent
In a world obsessed with polished degrees, fluent English, and coaching-centre success stories,
Zoho
founder
Sridhar Vembu
is backing a different kind of talent—the kind that doesn't come from air-conditioned classrooms but from the untapped brilliance of rural India. In a powerful social media post, the Rs 50,000 crore tech entrepreneur made a strong case for recognising and nurturing the raw, unfiltered creativity that lies beyond metros and resumes.
Vembu expressed that a vast section of Bharat remains unconcerned with prestigious degrees, fluent English, early coaching for JEE or NEET, or the ups and downs of the stock market. He believes this segment of the population holds immense untapped creative energy crucial for the country's development. According to him, it's within this pool—rich in scientific and technical potential—that he's now choosing to invest his efforts.
The Zoho CEO, known for championing grassroots innovation, reaffirmed his mission to scout and cultivate talent beyond traditional pathways. He emphasised that he's so convinced by the potential of untapped rural brilliance that he's devoting his energy to discovering and nurturing it firsthand.
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Netizens react
Vembu's message resonated widely across social media, sparking a wave of appreciation and introspection. One user asked how such untapped talent could be brought into manufacturing roles. Vembu responded candidly, explaining that Zoho's approach is to hire and train individuals with no prior experience but a strong eagerness to learn—an effort that requires experienced mentors guiding the way.
Others echoed his belief in the hidden brilliance that often lies within small towns and rural schools. Several users pointed out that true genius frequently goes unnoticed in modest settings, where curiosity thrives over coaching. Many agreed that what Bharat truly needs isn't more polished resumes, but a stronger belief in its raw and untapped potential.
Another user pointed out that the real issue isn't a lack of talent but limited access to opportunities. They noted that while many Indians are drawn to the West, the country itself has proven its innovative strength through institutions like ISRO and DRDO, which showcase remarkable versatility and homegrown excellence.
In a country where access to opportunity still depends largely on geography and privilege, his approach offers a radical rethinking: that perhaps the next generation of tech pioneers won't come from IIT or IIM, but from the farmlands, small towns, and local schools of Bharat. As one user aptly summed it up: 'Grateful to see you are building that bridge."
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