Zoho Corporation founder Sridhar Vembu has triggered a significant social media discussion about the ideal age for marriage after stating that young people should consider tying the knot in their twenties as part of their demographic duty to society.
The Conversation That Started It All
The controversy began when Upasana Kamineni Konidela, entrepreneur and wife of actor Ram Charan, shared her experience interacting with students at IIT Hyderabad. She revealed that when she asked how many students wanted to get married, more men raised their hands than women, noting that female students appeared more focused on their careers.
Konidela described this as representative of a progressive India where women are setting their visions and defining their goals. Her post celebrated this shift in attitudes, encouraging young people to own their roles and become unstoppable in pursuing their ambitions.
Vembu's Controversial Response
Responding to Konidela's observations, the Zoho founder offered contrasting advice. Sridhar Vembu emphasized that getting married in one's 20s represents a demographic duty that young people owe to both society and their ancestors.
In his social media post dated November 19, 2025, 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.
The billionaire entrepreneur acknowledged that his views might sound quaint or old-fashioned to some, but expressed confidence that these ideas would eventually resonate again with younger generations.
Social Media Erupts With Diverse Reactions
The technology leader's comments quickly went viral, attracting thousands of responses representing both support and strong criticism.
Several users challenged Vembu's perspective, with one asking what he would say to those who followed similar advice only to end up divorced and financially struggling by their late twenties while watching their unencumbered peers surpass them in wealth and career impact.
Another user questioned the practical implications, pointing out the career setbacks women face due to maternity leaves in today's competitive work environment. TBH, if I choose to have kids in my 20s who is going to compensate for my career being on pause or even set back with maternity leaves in this cut-throat environment? the user commented, adding that while they would love to have children, parenting alone wasn't their sole life purpose.
However, the discussion wasn't entirely one-sided. Some users supported Vembu's position, with one individual sharing personal regret about postponing marriage and children. One of my biggest regrets in life has been not getting married and having children in my late 20s, the user wrote, explaining that the decision becomes more challenging with time.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between traditional values and modern aspirations in contemporary Indian society, particularly among educated, career-oriented young professionals.
