Author: Dev Patel | EQMint | General News

Mumbai, October 7, 2025 — In a move that has stirred excitement across India’s tech and startup ecosystem, Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, announced that he has joined Arattai, a homegrown instant messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation. Mahindra stated he downloaded the app “with pride,” in a show of support for India’s growing technology ecosystem and digital self-reliance.

The announcement, which Mahindra shared on his social media platforms, quickly went viral — drawing enthusiastic reactions from both users and industry leaders, including Zoho’s Founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu, who responded appreciatively to Mahindra’s endorsement.

A Symbolic Move for ‘Made in India’ Tech

Anand Mahindra’s decision to publicly embrace Arattai is more than a personal tech preference — it’s a powerful symbol of confidence in Indian-built digital products. At a time when global messaging giants like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal dominate communication platforms, Mahindra’s endorsement serves as a reminder that India’s own tech innovators are capable of creating world-class digital experiences.

“Downloaded with pride,” Mahindra wrote in his post, referring to Arattai as a “secure and capable Indian alternative” for personal and professional communication. His statement reflects the broader sentiment behind India’s Digital Bharat movement, which seeks to promote indigenous technology solutions and reduce dependence on foreign platforms for data-sensitive communication.

Arattai: Zoho’s Vision for a Secure, Indian Messaging Future

Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, was launched by Zoho Corporation in 2021 as part of the company’s broader vision to build privacy-first, globally competitive software from India. Known primarily for its enterprise software suite, Zoho’s foray into the personal communication space through Arattai represents its mission to provide secure, ad-free, and data-respecting alternatives to mainstream apps.

Arattai’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, has long been a vocal advocate of digital sovereignty — the idea that countries should have control over their citizens’ data and technology infrastructure. Responding to Mahindra’s post, Vembu expressed gratitude and optimism:

“Thank you, Anand, for supporting Indian-built tech. Every download strengthens our mission to prove that India can lead the world in privacy-conscious innovation.”

Arattai offers features similar to WhatsApp and Signal, including end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, file sharing, group chats, and status updates. However, what sets it apart is its commitment to privacy — Zoho has pledged not to monetize user data through ads or third-party analytics.

The app’s interface is simple, intuitive, and lightweight, optimized for low-bandwidth conditions — a key factor for accessibility in India’s diverse internet landscape.

Anand Mahindra’s Track Record of Supporting Indian Innovation

Anand Mahindra, one of India’s most respected business leaders and one of the country’s most followed entrepreneurs on social media, has a well-known history of championing Indian startups and innovations.

From tweeting about grassroots inventions to investing in emerging tech ventures, Mahindra has consistently used his platform to amplify the narrative of Indian ingenuity. His endorsement of Arattai is a continuation of that philosophy — backing local solutions that reflect India’s growing tech independence.

“India doesn’t just consume technology; it creates it,” Mahindra said in an earlier interview about the country’s innovation ecosystem. “Our entrepreneurs have the creativity, courage, and conviction to compete globally. What we need now is a culture of supporting and scaling them.”

That sentiment resonates strongly with the rise of platforms like Arattai, which represent the intersection of technological excellence and national pride.

A Push for Data Localization and Digital Trust

The growing conversation around data privacy, surveillance, and digital autonomy has sparked a wave of local innovation in India. With global scrutiny on data sharing practices of major tech firms, Indian users are increasingly seeking platforms that guarantee security and respect for user rights.

Arattai positions itself as an answer to those concerns. Built and hosted entirely in India, it complies with domestic data protection norms and aligns with the government’s push for data localization — ensuring that user data of Indian citizens remains within national borders.

Industry analysts believe Mahindra’s endorsement could inspire wider adoption among professionals, policymakers, and enterprise users who are already exploring privacy-first communication platforms. “When someone like Anand Mahindra publicly backs a homegrown app, it builds credibility and momentum for the broader ‘Atmanirbhar Digital India’ initiative,” said Rohit Bhardwaj, a Bengaluru-based tech analyst.

Sridhar Vembu: Championing Rural Innovation

Sridhar Vembu, the visionary behind Zoho and Arattai, has become an emblem of India’s rural tech revolution. Running Zoho from a village in Tamil Nadu, he has consistently advocated for decentralized innovation, local employment, and sustainable technology development.

In a recent statement, Vembu highlighted that Arattai was built entirely by engineers working from rural India. “Our team represents the power of distributed innovation. Talent is everywhere, and with digital tools, geography is no longer a limitation,” he said.

This alignment of values — Mahindra’s advocacy for Indian enterprise and Vembu’s belief in grassroots innovation — adds depth to this story beyond a mere app download. It symbolizes a shared vision of self-reliant, ethical, and inclusive technology development.

The Road Ahead for Arattai

While Arattai still faces a tough road competing with established global messaging giants, Mahindra’s endorsement marks a turning point in its visibility. Industry observers note that organic trust and word-of-mouth advocacy from influential figures can significantly impact adoption rates — especially in the enterprise and SME segments where Zoho already has strong brand loyalty.

The app’s current user base is steadily growing, and with continuous updates to its interface, call quality, and group collaboration tools, Arattai aims to bridge the gap between consumer communication and enterprise collaboration — potentially positioning itself as India’s answer to both WhatsApp and Slack.

As privacy becomes a central concern for digital citizens globally, Arattai’s privacy-first model could set new benchmarks for ethical messaging apps emerging from India.

A Message Beyond Technology

Anand Mahindra’s simple act of downloading Arattai “with pride” has sparked a larger conversation about what it means to support Indian technology. Beyond the symbolism, it reflects an ecosystem where trust, innovation, and national identity converge — a future where homegrown apps don’t just compete but lead.

As Sridhar Vembu aptly put it, “Technology should serve society, not exploit it.” And with leaders like Mahindra championing that cause, the dream of a digitally sovereign India seems closer than ever.

References

1. NDTV — “Anand Mahindra downloads Arattai ‘with pride’; Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu reacts”
2. LiveMint — “Anand Mahindra downloads Arattai ‘with pride’, Sridhar Vembu thanks support”
3. Moneycontrol — “Anand Mahindra joins Arattai messaging app, says downloaded ‘with pride’”
4. Times of India — “Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu replies to Anand Mahindra as he says: Downloaded Arattai…”

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.