Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has stirred a debate by advising young entrepreneurs to marry and have children in their 20s. His comments came in response to a post by entrepreneur Upasana Konidela, who shared her observations from an interaction with students at IIT Hyderabad. She noted that more men than women expressed a desire to marry, while women appeared more focused on their careers, highlighting a shift in societal norms.

Vembu emphasized the importance of early marriage, stating, "I advise young entrepreneurs I meet, both men and women, to marry and have kids in their 20s and not keep postponing it. They have to do their demographic duty to society and their own ancestors." He acknowledged that his views might seem old-fashioned but expressed confidence that they would resonate again.

His remarks have sparked a lively discussion online, with many users debating the practicality of marrying young in today's economic climate. Some argued that the decision to postpone marriage is often driven by financial pressures rather than a lack of commitment. One user pointed out, "Today’s youth aren’t afraid of commitment. They’re afraid of building a family on unstable salaries, zero work-life balance, and rent that eats 40% of income. It’s not a demographic crisis. It’s an economic one."

Others questioned the feasibility of balancing family life with ambitious career goals, suggesting that the 20s should be a time for self-exploration rather than immediate family obligations. However, some supported Vembu's perspective, sharing personal experiences of having children early and the benefits it brought to their careers.

Vembu's comments reflect the ongoing tension between traditional values and modern aspirations among young Indians, as they navigate the complexities of marriage, career, and personal fulfillment in a rapidly changing society.

Sridhar Vembu, born in 1968 in Tamil Nadu, is a prominent Indian billionaire and the founder of Zoho Corporation. He completed his education at IIT Madras and Princeton University and is currently one of India's wealthiest individuals, with a net worth of $5.85 billion as of 2024.