Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho Corporation, recently shared a poignant moment from his life on Twitter that highlights the intersection of tradition and modernity. In a heartfelt tweet, he recalled a conversation with his mother who expressed concern over his involvement in artificial intelligence (AI) and the nature of his work-life balance, sharing relatable questions that many in the tech industry may encounter.
On May 25, Vembu posted an exchange in Tamil in which his mother asked, “What is this AI everyone keeps talking about? Are you doing it? You are traveling and speaking at so many events; are you giving enough time for work?” He clarified that speaking at events is part of his professional responsibilities, but his mother remained skeptical, leading him to humorously conclude, “Now the pressure is really on.” This tweet, shared from Tenkasi, resonated with numerous users on social media, highlighting the generational divide in understanding tech roles today.
Vembu’s reflections come during a significant career transition; in January 2025, he stepped down as Zoho’s CEO to take on the role of Chief Scientist, directing his focus towards AI research initiatives.
The exchange also struck a chord with many Indian users, sparking a flood of responses. One individual remarked, “Typical Tamil Amma Questions. My mother once asked, ‘Is working on a laptop a real job?’” Another user humorously noted, “Indian mothers’ expectations will only end after a government job, sir.” Such comments illustrate a common experience among children of Indian parents navigating the expectations of traditional values alongside modern job roles.
Moreover, one thoughtful reply reflected on maternal wisdom, stating, “There's a quiet wisdom in every mother's question—gently reminding us of balance, grounding, and truth… a mother’s love remains the most human and divine intelligence.” This sentiment encapsulates the ongoing relationship between ambition in the tech field and the enduring parental insights that continue to guide career paths.
