A simple email switch by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited a conversation across India’s tech circles Is this the moment India’s homegrown software ecosystem truly comes of age?

Shah recently announced his new official email ID amitshah.bjp@zohomail.in mailto:amitshah.bjp@zohomail.in powered by the Indian software company Zoho. The gesture, small on the surface, drew an emotional response from Zoho’s founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express gratitude. “Thank you, Sir, for your faith in us. I dedicate this moment to our hardworking engineers who have toiled for over 20 years,” Vembu wrote, highlighting the dedication of Indian talent that stayed rooted instead of migrating abroad.

The endorsement from one of India’s most powerful political figures carries symbolic and practical weight. It aligns with India’s “Digital Sovereignty” vision a push for government offices and citizens to rely more on Indian-built software and infrastructure instead of foreign giants like Google or Microsoft.

But the real question remains: Can sentiment translate into sustained adoption While the government’s nod provides visibility, Zoho’s continued success depends on scalability, cybersecurity, and user experience at par with global standards.

Over two decades, Zoho has quietly built an empire of more than 55 software products spanning CRM, email, HR, and finance. Unlike many startups, Zoho has remained privately held, profitable, and headquartered in Tamil Nadu a conscious decision reflecting its “Made in India, Made for the World” philosophy.

The company’s approach to rural innovation also stands out. Vembu famously shifted operations to Tenkasi, empowering local engineers and decentralizing tech talent. This model, once viewed as idealistic, is now being studied as a blueprint for inclusive development.

Shah’s switch to Zoho Mail, therefore, is not just a policy signal but a validation of that philosophy. It represents a growing confidence in India’s technological self-sufficiency and the ability of indigenous firms to serve both national and international users.

Still, challenges persist: will other ministries follow suit? Can Zoho withstand global competition while keeping data private and secure within Indian borders

Perhaps, Shah’s decision marks the start of something bigger a long overdue tech awakening that puts “Made in India” software at the heart of India’s digital destiny.