In a perfect blend of wit, ambition, and tech-world camaraderie, an Indian-origin software engineer has taken the internet by storm with a selfie featuring Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of AI powerhouse Perplexity. But what made the image go viral wasn’t just the personalities in it—it was the caption: “Manifesting my green card with this selfie.”
The humorous and self-aware post, shared on LinkedIn and later reposted across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, instantly resonated with thousands of tech professionals, particularly from the Indian diaspora navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
A Candid Moment with a Larger Message
The techie, identified as Rohit Sharma, a data engineer working with a Bay Area startup, encountered Srinivas during a networking event in San Francisco last weekend. While most attendees were eager for a quick handshake or pitch, Sharma opted for humor—and it paid off.
Speaking to the media, Sharma explained, “It was a light-hearted moment, but it reflected a very real sentiment. Many of us working in the U.S. are constantly juggling career growth with visa uncertainties. That selfie was a mix of admiration and wishful thinking.”
His post quickly gained traction, garnering over 150,000 likes on LinkedIn and sparking more than 10,000 comments from tech aspirants, HR professionals, and even immigration attorneys who joined in the banter.
A Glimpse into the Immigration Conversation
The post reignited ongoing conversations about the U.S. green card backlog, especially for Indian nationals. According to data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), over 1.2 million employment-based green card applicants from India are currently stuck in multi-year queues, with some estimates suggesting a wait time of over 15 years for many.
Tech leaders have frequently advocated for immigration reform to retain talent. In a recent podcast, Srinivas himself had emphasized the importance of building inclusive work environments for immigrants. “Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The global talent we attract needs stability, and our policies must reflect that,” he said.
The Lighter Side of LinkedIn
The virality of Sharma’s post also underlines how professional platforms are embracing authenticity and humor. While LinkedIn has traditionally been viewed as a buttoned-up space, recent months have seen a shift, with users sharing more candid, meme-worthy, and personal content.
Marketing consultant Anjali Mehta observed, “This post worked because it was clever, timely, and relatable. It touched on a real issue in a way that didn’t feel like a complaint. That’s the future of content—even on professional networks.”
Tech Celebrities and the Power of Community
Aravind Srinivas, who co-founded Perplexity AI and has been praised for his work in creating accessible AI tools, also commented on the viral moment. In a repost of the image on X, he wrote, “Let’s make it happen 💪🏽. Talent like this deserves no queues.”
His response was hailed as a classy acknowledgment of the struggles many tech workers face and showcased the increasingly blurred line between tech celebrity culture and grassroots engagement.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Selfie
What began as a casual photo-op has turned into a moment of collective reflection for the Indian tech community in the U.S. Beyond the humor, Sharma’s post encapsulated the aspirations, frustrations, and enduring optimism of thousands who contribute to the innovation economy while waiting for the promise of permanent residency.
In an era driven by algorithms, this viral human moment proves once again that authenticity—and a clever caption—can still break the internet.
