Sridhar Vembu at Republic Summit 2025: Building India’s Future Through Dharmic Capitalism and Rural Innovation

New Delhi, October 2025 — At the Republic Summit 2025, Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation, delivered a thought-provoking address on the evolving spirit of Indian entrepreneurship. Drawing from his journey of building Zoho from the quiet villages of Tamil Nadu, Vembu outlined a vision that blends technology, tradition, and purpose — a philosophy he calls “Dharmic Capitalism.”

Entrepreneurship with Purpose

Vembu urged India’s new generation of entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems that improve lives and empower communities, rather than chasing valuations or quick exits.
“True entrepreneurship is not about impressing investors but about serving people,” he remarked, emphasizing that sustainable success comes from creating lasting value rather than speculative gains.

He called upon founders to embrace long-term, organic growth, even if it means slower progress, and to resist the “valuation mania” that often distorts business priorities.

Dharmic Capitalism: Profit with a Conscience

At the heart of Vembu’s message was the concept of Dharmic Capitalism — a business philosophy that seeks balance between profit, purpose, and moral responsibility.
According to him, businesses must operate with a deep sense of duty to society, respect for the environment, and alignment with cultural and ethical values.

“Capitalism without dharma becomes exploitation,” Vembu noted, underscoring the need for Indian entrepreneurs to define success not merely by market capitalization, but by social contribution and cultural rootedness.

Rural Innovation and Local Talent

Sharing the Zoho story, Vembu highlighted how Tenkasi, a small town in southern Tamil Nadu, became a symbol of what’s possible when innovation meets rural empowerment. Zoho’s journey from a remote village to a global SaaS leader, he said, demonstrates that world-class technology can emerge from India’s heartland.

He argued that rural innovation is key to reducing youth migration, building self-reliant communities, and ensuring equitable economic growth. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We must take opportunity to where the people are,” he emphasized.

Swadeshi and Technology Sovereignty

Vembu also made a strong case for Swadeshi entrepreneurship and digital sovereignty, urging Indian startups and policymakers to invest in homegrown technologies.
He warned against overdependence on imported digital infrastructure and advocated for indigenous solutions across areas like messaging platforms, chip design, and robotics.

“For India to be truly independent, we must master our own core technologies,” he said, encouraging founders to invest in deep R&D rather than replicating Western business models.

Personal Fulfillment and Authentic Growth

Reflecting on his own journey, Vembu shared that running Zoho from his village has brought him greater peace, purpose, and productivity than operating from global tech hubs.
He spoke of the importance of humility, lifelong learning, and authentic living — values that anchor both personal and professional success.

“Building from your roots gives you not just a company, but a community,” he concluded.

A Vision Beyond Business

Sridhar Vembu’s philosophy challenges conventional startup culture. It calls for a return to values — entrepreneurship not as a race for funding, but as a path of service, self-reliance, and national renewal. His message to India’s new entrepreneurs was clear:
Solve real problems, serve society, build sustainably — and find joy in the journey, not just the outcome.

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