TVS Capital Funds chairman Gopal Srinivasan throws his weight behind Zoho chief Sridhar Vembu; adds 'Will be honoured to be in audience at RSS event'

Bengaluru: Throwing his weight behind Zoho chief Sridhar Vembu who is the chief guest next month in an event organised by RSS, TVS Capital Funds chairman Gopal Srinivasan took to Twitter, making his stance clear. 

Let’s stand up for what we believe in, and Stand Firm for India, our values and culture Well said @svembu Will be honoured to be in the audiences at the @RSSorg event. https://t.co/IQvMEd5Q21

— Gopal Srinivasan (@GopalSri) January 7, 2020

The support comes in the wake of Sridhar Vembu and Rama Ramachandran, the Accenture MD and Head of Operations Chennai being intimidated on the social media platform for being the chief guest and guest of honour at the RSS event to be held in Chennai next month. 

Hey @zoho, I've been a consistent supporter and promoter of your company for past 4 years.

Unfortunately, since your CEO has decided to support traitors who are interested in burning down this country.

I'll be moving my business to @GoogleIndia and @MicrosoftIndia this month. https://t.co/F6i2hxqs2n

— Ladak 🌏 (@NevaStopXplorin) January 6, 2020

As the news spread, there was a backlash on social media, with several giving threats of boycotting Zoho. 

We have been a loyal user of @zoho for past 5 years. We are now looking to switch our organisation to a different operating system. We currently spend 3.5 Lacs INR per year with them. Any suggestions? #zoho pic.twitter.com/aknRw7kWzz

— Aamir Qutub (@aamirqutub) January 7, 2020

However the Zoho chief was in no mood to kowtow to the demands of his critics. 

I don't decide my views based on Twitter attacks. If you dislike which events I attend, please do what your conscience dictates and I will do what mine dictates. We earn our daily bread due to our work and we will continue to do quality work. I won't be responding to attacks.

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) January 6, 2020

Gladly, the Zoho chief also received a lot of support from the other side as well. 

I use Zoho and it is a great platform. Now I doubly endorse it. https://t.co/wXNTS5Dwar

— Divya (@divya_16_) January 6, 2020

Interestingly, one Twitter user who goes by the name of Savukkku Shankar decided to smear the entire issue with the colours of Brahminism. 

You don't stand firm for India sir. You stand firm for your own clan "brahmins" and its welfare alone. And you believe your clan owns India & all others should be subservient you. That is the precise problem. And that's what @RSSorg stands for. https://t.co/DL7MbH8ygn

— Savukku_Shankar (@savukku) January 8, 2020

Unfortunately, what these critics refuse to honour is the freedom of the individual to carry out their desires and wishes, which in simple words, is the freedom of thought and expression and even movement as enshrined in the holy Indian Constitution. 

While there are many who work in the garb of champions of an individual’s liberty, they refuse to accept and honour the contrarian views.