A recent social media post by Sabeer Bhatia, the Indian-origin co-founder of Hotmail, criticizing the state of affairs in India has triggered a sharp response from Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises. The exchange has ignited a debate about the role of expatriates in commenting on their home country, and the fine line between criticism and national pride.
Bhatia's initial post on X (formerly Twitter) lamented what he sees as a tendency to label dissent as "anti-national". He wrote, "Say India is unsafe for women - you're anti-national. Question inflated economic numbers - you're anti-national. Call out elected leaders' lies - you're anti-national. Mention lost aircraft - you're anti-national. So if truth = anti-national… then who's a national? The one who lies to you?". This post quickly gained traction, sparking varied reactions online.
Harsh Goenka responded to Bhatia's remarks with a strong rebuke, questioning Bhatia's standing to comment on India while residing in California, USA. Goenka reposted Bhatia's statement, adding, "Living in California and lecturing a billion Indians back home? We live here. We vote, work, pay taxes. We love this country- and we'll fix what's broken. India doesn't need sermons from those who packed up and left".
Goenka's reply has further fueled the debate, dividing opinions across the internet. Some users lauded it as a "befitting reply," with many expressing that they are working to improve the nation. Others defended Bhatia, pointing out the double standards sometimes applied to successful Indians abroad and suggesting that criticism, even from a distance, can be valuable.
Bhatia responded to Goenka's criticism by stating, "I've been hearing that sob story for more than 30 years now. It's only getting worse because we have fantastic lecturers and no doers. Lots of Chiefs and no Indians…".
This isn't the first time Bhatia has voiced his opinions on India's shortcomings. In the past, he has criticized the Indian engineering ecosystem for producing graduates geared towards management rather than innovation and practical application. He has also spoken about issues such as poverty and the need for educational reform. In April 2025, Bhatia stated that 99% of Indian engineers "just give Gyaan". He believes India needs to value technical skills and those who "work with their own hands".
The exchange between Goenka and Bhatia highlights a recurring tension in the Indian diaspora. While many non-resident Indians (NRIs) maintain strong ties to their country of origin and often contribute through remittances and investments, their right to publicly criticize India is sometimes questioned. The core of the debate revolves around whether distance diminishes one's understanding of the realities on the ground and whether those who have chosen to live elsewhere forfeit their right to comment on India's internal matters.
Ultimately, the Goenka-Bhatia exchange underscores the complexities of national identity, belonging, and the right to voice opinions on matters of public interest. It also brings to the forefront the ongoing discussions about India's progress, its challenges, and the roles that both residents and NRIs can play in shaping its future.
