Srinagar, October 6 — In a development that underscores the growing emphasis on indigenous technology in India, Zoho Corporation’s messaging application, Arattai, has emerged as a focal point of both acclaim and contention. Launched amid calls for self-reliance in the digital sphere, the app has received endorsements from Union Ministers and right-wing activists who hail it as a symbol of ‘Made in India’ innovation. The Chenab Times took a deep dive into the favour and critics surrounding the app, revealing a polarised discourse.
However, a section of users and commentators on social media platform X has raised alarms over potential privacy risks, particularly in light of Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu‘s recent praise for news anchor Arnab Goswami, whom critics often label as part of the so-called ‘Godi media’—a term denoting perceived bias in favour of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Arattai, built on Zoho’s existing messenger technology, has seen a surge in downloads following promotional efforts by government figures. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has been vocal in supporting homegrown software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies like Zoho, aligning with broader appeals from Prime Minister Modi for ‘Made in India’ applications. This push comes against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including data sovereignty concerns with foreign platforms. Right-wing voices have echoed this sentiment, portraying Arattai as an embodiment of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. For instance, political analyst Kamlesh Dabhhi described Zoho and Arattai as a “true emblem of #AtmanirbharBharat where innovation meets integrity,” saluting it as “homegrown excellence.” Similarly, entrepreneur Balu Gorade highlighted Vembu’s journey from starting Zoho in a small Tamil Nadu town in 1996 to building a company valued at over ₹1 lakh crore, framing it as a remarkable achievement in indigenous enterprise. Other supporters, such as Aditya Nair, noted that the app’s endorsement by BJP ministers stems from efforts to counter U.S.-based tech dominance, urging greater adoption of such platforms.
The app’s proponents argue that its rapid uptake—reportedly skyrocketing 100,000 times in days—reflects a nationalistic fervor for swadeshi (indigenous) products. Tanmay Shankar, a government official focused on digital communications, commended Zoho’s commitment to local development and data sovereignty, expressing interest in its potential benefits for public organisations. This narrative is further amplified by users like Saurav S, who called for widespread use of Arattai simply because it is “Made in India,” extending support to all fully indigenous platforms.
Yet, this enthusiasm has not been universal. Critics on X have voiced apprehensions about Arattai’s security features, pointing to the absence of end-to-end encryption and Zoho’s data storage practices, which reportedly include servers in the United States. Ashish K. Mishra, Editor-in-Chief of The Morning Context, described Arattai as a “me-too product” with little differentiation beyond its Indian origin, predicting that its appeal may wane as users prioritise functionality over nationalism. The controversy intensified following Vembu’s public appreciation of Goswami, whose Republic TV is frequently accused of partisan reporting in support of the Modi government. This association has fueled boycott calls, with users like 𝔸𝐧𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 asserting that “the reason it is being manufactured in India is the BJP,” implying political motivations behind the app’s promotion. MIGA, a proponent of policy discussions, went further, urging a boycott over concerns that Vembu’s praise for Goswami compromises user data and privacy, labeling it a “nice try Sanghi” in reference to perceived right-wing affiliations.
Other detractors, such as the account bewakbaatein, dismissed criticisms as “propaganda against Zoho,” noting the company’s Tamil Nadu roots in a non-BJP stronghold, but acknowledged the polarisation. Blogger Bhat Naturally cautioned against over-relying on nationalism for product success, critiquing unsolicited advice directed at Vembu as if Arattai were Zoho’s inaugural global offering. The discourse reflects deeper divides, with some viewing the app’s government-backed promotion as a step towards digital autonomy, while others see it as a potential tool for surveillance amid lacking robust privacy safeguards.
Zoho, headquartered in Chennai, has not responded directly to these criticisms, but Vembu has previously emphasised the company’s focus on rural development and innovation. As India navigates its digital future, the Arattai debate highlights the tension between fostering local tech ecosystems and addressing user concerns over data security and political neutrality. Whether the app sustains its momentum beyond the initial hype remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly ignited a broader conversation on what constitutes truly swadeshi technology in an interconnected world.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times