Zoho’s made-in-India messaging app Arattai gains nationwide attention after Anand Mahindra downloads it “with pride,” prompting a heartfelt reply from founder Sridhar Vembu
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NEW DELHI (India CSR): India’s homegrown messaging platform Arattai, developed by Zoho Corporation, has become the new buzz in the digital communication space. The app, whose name means “chat” in Tamil, recently climbed to the top of Indian app store charts, positioning itself as a spyware-free, made-in-India alternative to global giants like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
The app’s growing popularity received a significant boost when Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, publicly endorsed it on social media. His tweet not only caught the attention of millions but also drew a warm and humble response from Zoho’s founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, who expressed gratitude while reaffirming his company’s commitment to refining the platform.
Anand Mahindra’s Shoutout Sparks Nationwide Buzz
On the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Anand Mahindra posted,
The post quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions and appreciation from users applauding his support for Indian technology innovation. Mahindra’s endorsement was seen as a symbolic nod to India’s self-reliance in digital innovation—a message that resonated deeply amid the ongoing “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” movement.
His tweet also inspired many users to try the app, leading to a surge in downloads. Within hours, Arattai secured a spot among the top free communication apps in India, outpacing several established global competitors.
Sridhar Vembu’s Humble Reply
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, who is known for his grounded leadership style and emphasis on rural innovation, responded warmly to Mahindra’s gesture. Sharing his experience from Zoho’s Tenkasi office in Tamil Nadu, Vembu wrote:
“I was in a meeting with our Arattai engineers, working on refinements to the app, when a team member showed me this tweet. Thank you, @anandmahindra — this gives us even more determination.”
Vembu’s response captured the spirit of humility and teamwork that has defined Zoho’s rise as one of India’s most respected global tech companies.
Arattai: Features and Functionality
Launched in 2021, Arattai was initially viewed as a side project catering to Zoho’s internal communication needs. However, with rising global concerns over data privacy, AI surveillance, and foreign app security, Arattai’s positioning as a “spyware-free” and privacy-first Indian messenger has struck a chord with users.
Key features of the app include:
One-to-one and group chats with voice notes and multimedia sharing
Audio and video calls secured with end-to-end encryption
Multi-device support, including desktop and Android TV apps
Stories and broadcast channels for sharing updates
Cloud sync for messages and media across devices
Despite the strong feature lineup, Zoho has acknowledged ongoing performance issues such as OTP delays, contact syncing errors, and intermittent call drops due to high traffic load. The company assured users that updates and fixes are being rolled out progressively.
Building a Secure Indian Messaging Ecosystem
Arattai’s rapid growth also signals a shift in user sentiment toward indigenous platforms that prioritize security, transparency, and national data sovereignty. Its development aligns with the government’s push for Make in India and Digital India initiatives, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign tech giants.
Zoho, one of India’s most successful bootstrapped companies, has long advocated for ethical technology—software built with user privacy and long-term sustainability in mind. With Arattai, Zoho seeks to create a trusted, Indian-built communication ecosystem that competes globally without compromising data protection.
You Learn
Anand Mahindra’s endorsement has spotlighted Zoho’s Arattai as more than just a messenger—it’s a symbol of India’s growing digital independence. Backed by Sridhar Vembu’s vision and Zoho’s innovation-driven ethos, Arattai aims to offer Indians a secure, reliable, and homegrown alternative to global messaging platforms.
As Zoho works on refining the app and enhancing user experience, Arattai’s journey reflects a broader movement—from being a local startup experiment to becoming a national emblem of tech self-reliance and digital trust.
