Shame On Us Sabeer Bhatia’s Bold Critique Leaves India Divided
When a Tech Icon Sparks a Firestorm
Here’s the thing—when someone like Sabeer Bhatia, the co-founder of Hotmail and a tech pioneer we grew up admiring, says “Shame on us” while talking about the Indian economy, it doesn’t just stir debate—it hits home.
In a recent public event, Bhatia criticized India's growth story, calling it “hype over substance.” His tone was blunt, some would say even condescending. And as expected, the internet went wild.
What Exactly Did He Say?
Bhatia pointed out that India is still far from being an economic superpower and suggested we’re too busy celebrating “mediocrity.” That one line—“Shame on us”—was enough to ignite a digital war.
Critics slammed him for insulting the country. Supporters argued he was just being brutally honest.
So, Was He Wrong?
Not entirely. India is making impressive progress—UPI, digital public infrastructure, space achievements. But it’s also true that problems like unemployment, inflation, and inequality continue to drag us down.
Bhatia’s mistake? Not the message, but the delivery. You don’t drop truth bombs without cushioning them, especially when speaking to people proud of their country’s progress.
Why People Took It Personally
Bhatia isn’t just another critic. He’s one of us. An Indian success story. When someone like that calls us out, it feels personal—like a family member publicly airing dirty laundry. That’s what stung the most.
Key Takeaways
- Constructive criticism is necessary—but context and tone matter.
- India’s growth story is real, but so are its challenges.
- National pride is emotional, and public figures need to tread carefully.
