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Indian-origin Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia had shared a post suggesting that anyone who speaks about issues in India is branded as ‘anti-national’.
Some internet users supported Harsh Goenka’s view while others defended Sabeer Bhatia. (Photo Credits: X)
A social media post by Indian-origin Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia has stirred up strong reactions after billionaire industrialist Harsh Goenka publicly called him out. The exchange unfolded on X where Bhatia’s remarks didn’t sit well with many, including Goenka. Bhatia shared a post suggesting that anyone who speaks about issues in India is branded as “anti-national.”
He listed examples like raising concerns about women’s safety, questioning economic claims or pointing out misinformation by leaders “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?” Bhatia wrote on X.
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…— Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) July 31, 2025
‘India Doesn’t Need Sermons’
Responding to this, RPG Group Chairman Goenka reshared Bhatia’s post and wrote, “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.”
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. Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) August 1, 2025
Mixed Reactions Online
Goenka’s comment drew attention online and sparked a wide range of responses. Some social media users supported his view.
One user commented, “Excellent response… Sabeer is now heading into a dormant phase!”
Another said, “What a great and befitting reply sir. This is our country and no matter how it is we all will fix it for sure.”
“Well said Sir… Despite shortcomings we love our country & we strive to overcome them,” a person added.
However, others defended Bhatia and questioned the backlash.
“Don’t we celebrate these same Indians with their achievements in the USA. We are so obsessed that we want to claim Tulsi Gabbard or Sunita Williams even. Why this selective outrage against one individual???” an individual wrote.
Someone remarked, “Someone sitting wherever and having the guts to highlight the problems is much better than someone not having the guts to admit there is any problem.”
“To fix what is broken you need to first accept & realise it,” read another comment.
Sabeer Bhatia’s Response After Backlash
Following Goenka’s remark and the online buzz that followed, Bhatia responded.
“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…,” he wrote.
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…— Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) August 1, 2025
Not The First Time Bhatia Has Faced Criticism
This isn’t the first time Bhatia’s comments have led to controversy. Back in May, he had posted on social media questioning whether the benefits of India’s economic rise were reaching ordinary citizens. This came shortly after India overtook Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy.
His remarks back then were met with strong pushback too. Among those who responded sharply was former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai who criticised Bhatia for commenting on India’s progress despite living abroad. Pai questioned Bhatia’s connection to India’s growth and accused him of spreading negativity.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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