Zoho Co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu has doubled down on his recent controversial advice, stating that young entrepreneurs should marry and have children in their 20s. This comes even as the remark continues to draw sharp reactions online and from other business leaders.
Vembu has framed early marriage and parenthood as a “demographic duty” to society and the ancestors, arguing that today’s youth are postponing family life for reasons that are as cultural as they are economic.
“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,” wrote Vembu in a recent post on X.
Zoho co-founder engages in ‘early marriage’ controversy
The debate started after Vembu responded to a post by entrepreneur Upasana Konidela, who in one of her recent posts had highlighted how young women now prioritise financial independence before marriage. Vembu stated that he routinely tells young founders, including both men and women, to marry early and have kids in their 20s instead of keeping it for later, insisting that these “old-fashioned” ideas will regain relevance in the coming days.
His comments, however, quickly polarised social media. Many of his followers called the advice unrealistic in a period marked by high living costs, unstable jobs, and intense work expectations. One of those critics, Namita Thapar, the executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Shark Tank India judge, said she was “shocked” by the notion shared by Vembu.
“A leader with influence has a huge responsibility to use his/ her voice responsibly to take up REAL issues. 10 min back, i was shocked to read about this “marry in your 20’s” gyan.. similar to another favourite number of mine – “70” hour work week !! Since u love numbers so much, I would like to suggest 2 real numbers you can give gyan on next time 1) 57% women have anemia 2) less than 20% women participate in the workforce & both numbers haven’t budged in years !!!! Would love to hear leaders do their DUTY towards us women by addressing these issues ( I have many more if you find time after taking care of duty towards your ancestors),” wrote Thapar in her post.
Sridhar Vembu says ‘life is not a race’
After the opposition to Vembu’s notion, the Zoho co-founder responded by broadening the conversation beyond timelines and wealth comparisons. In his response to a follower, he stated, “Life is not a race. There is plenty of opportunity to excel at any age and 30 is a new beginning for many people. I remember receiving this advice from my mother and I am glad to have recieved it.”
In a bid to give a more relatable comparison, Vembu stated, “If I were to look at life as a race, I have failed compared to Mark Zuckerberg l, who is 20 years younger. Have I failed? Somehow I don’t wake up every morning thinking I am a failure. I have to thank my mother for this perspective on life.”
The controversy comes at a time when India’s ongoing debate over work-life balance was reignited earlier by Infosys cofounder N. R. Narayana Murthy, who suggests that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to accelerate national growth.
