“I advise young entrepreneurs to marry and have kids in their 20s. They have to do their demographic duty” says Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu

Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu has stirred a strong debate after he advised young entrepreneurs to marry and have children in their 20s. 

His post on X, where he said early family life is a “demographic duty,” has drawn mixed reactions across social media. Many users agreed with his view, while many others argued that today’s income stress and work pressure make early family plans very hard.

Why Sridhar Vembu wants young people to start families early

In his post, Vembu said he often gives this advice to young men and women he meets. He 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.”

He added that his view might sound old-fashioned today, but he believes it will make sense again in the future.

Vembu has spoken earlier about his concern over falling birth rates in many countries. He says early family life can help maintain social stability and keep families strong across generations.

He also wrote that life does not end after marriage or after having children. Responding to worries about career growth, he said:

“Life is not a race. There is plenty of opportunity to excel at any age, and 30 is a new beginning for many people." 

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Netizens react to Sridhar Vembu’s post 

Vembu’s post later faced pushback from several users. Many said young people often avoid early marriage because incomes are unstable, rent is high, and work hours leave little time for family.

One user replied that asking people in their early 20s to start families ignores real money concerns. Another user raised a question about maternity breaks, saying women often fear a pause in career growth when they have children early.

The user wrote: “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?”

Others said rising costs and pressure at work make early family plans unrealistic. Some also pointed out concerns around relationship laws and long-term financial risk.

Despite the debate, Vembu stood by his view, saying that personal life goals should not be driven only by career timelines.

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