Learn Coding. Get top marks. Focus on science – Sound familiar?

Yes, because it’s the advice most of us grew up hearing. But Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, has a different take. And honestly? It makes a lot of sense.

What Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu Thinks Kids Should Really Be Learning

According to Vembu, academics are important but they are not the full picture especially when it comes to raising well-rounded and capable children.

Why Marks Alone Aren’t Enough

Vembu shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) that caught many parents' attention. 

He believes kids shouldn't be limited to just maths, science, or coding. Instead, we should encourage them to try different things like painting, poetry, music, cooking, or even playing a sport.    

They don’t need to become experts in those fields, but because these experiences help children see the world in new ways.

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It’s Not About Medals, They Just Need Exposure

Vembu makes a great point. We’re not aiming for the next Picasso or Mozart here. What we really need is to give children a taste of these creative and physical pursuits early on not for the medals, but for what these experiences teach them.

For instance:

• A child who plays Carnatic music may develop patience and listening skills.

• Learning poetry or sculpture can sharpen their attention and imagination.

• Even learning to cook builds independence and health awareness.

What Parents Can Do?

Start small.

• Let them help out in the kitchen.

• Take them to a pottery workshop on a weekend.

• Give them colours and let them scribble their imagination, without worrying about the mess.

• Play a game of chess or just spend time listening to music together.

These moments don’t have to be productive or perfect, they just have to be real.

Why It Matters

Studies and educators agree: such exposures help children build:

• Pattern recognition

• Creative thinking

• Emotional balance

• Critical thinking

These are the exact qualities that help in every walk of life whether your child ends up becoming a designer, an engineer, a writer, or a leader.

Interestingly, Vembu also shared that he wasn’t particularly good at many of these activities himself. But being exposed to them made a difference in how he thinks and approaches the world and that’s the real win.