Zoho founder and former CEO Sridhar Vembu has urged young adults to consider marriage and parenthood in their 20s, saying it forms part of their “demographic duty to society and ancestors”.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vembu wrote, “I advise young entrepreneurs I meet, both men and women, to marry and have kids in their 20s and not keep postponing it. I tell them they have to do their demographic duty to society and their own ancestors. I know these notions may sound quaint or old-fashioned but I am sure these ideas will resonate again.”

His remarks were made in response to entrepreneur Upasana Konidela, vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals CSR and wife of actor Ram Charan, who had shared her observations after interacting with students at IIT Hyderabad.

Konidela noted a shift in attitudes during her session with the students, saying that more male students than female students indicated an interest in getting married. “I truly had an amazing time interacting with the students at IIT Hyderabad. When I asked, “How many of you want to get married?” — more men raised their hands, than the women!” she wrote on X.

She continued, “The women seemed far more career-focused !!!! This is the new - Progressive India. Set your vision. Define your goals. Own your role. And watch yourself become unstoppable.”

Debate erupts over balancing ambition and early family life

Vembu’s comments sparked a flurry of online responses, many of which challenged his viewpoint.

One user argued that the reluctance to marry young stemmed not from cultural hesitation but from financial pressures. The user cited unstable incomes, demanding work schedules, high living expenses, and rising rents as key deterrents. “It's not a demographic crisis. It’s an economic one. Fix that, and hands will rise on their own,” the user wrote.

Vembu countered by saying, “But even people who can afford to are not marrying and having kids. That is cultural.”

Another user raised concerns about advising ambitious 20-year-olds to pause building their company in favour of early parenthood, citing the experiences of those who ended up overwhelmed or disadvantaged. The user wrote, “What do you say to the ones who tried that, had 3 kids by 28 and are now divorced, broke, and watching their less encumbered peers lap them in wealth and impact Mr Vembu?”

In response, Vembu argued that entrepreneurial success is not limited by age. “Let's assume all that happened by 28. Do you know that Larry Ellison only got started at 31? Entrepreneurs who are older are more likely to succeed? There is plenty of time after 28,” he replied.

Kishore Sahasranaman, founder of SpeeHive, echoed Vembu’s stance, saying the discussion aligned with his own views. “Pure synchronicity! I was literally discussing this topic at breakfast yesterday. As a founder with 2 young kids, I couldn't agree more. Family isn't distraction; it’s the anchor. Navigating a startup journey is much sustainable when you have that support system built early on.”

Vembu replied encouragingly, “Please spread the word!”

Sridhar Vembu’s family background

Vembu himself is divorced. His nearly 30-year marriage to Pramila Srinivasan, founder and president of The Brain Foundation in the United States, ended in 2023. The couple share an autistic son, who currently lives with his mother.