Shashi Tharoor’s Witty Response to Son Ishaan Tharoor’s ‘Ban Boomers on WhatsApp’ Post Goes Viral

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his sharp wit and command over the English language, has once again delivered a classic quip, this time aimed at his own son, Ishaan Tharoor. The exchange began after Ishaan took to X calling for a ban on "boomers" using WhatsApp, while agreeing with Zoho co-founder and former CEO Sridhar Vembu, who had sparked an online debate by suggesting that India should ban social media for young children.

What Did Ishaan Tharoor Say

Reacting to Vembu's post, Ishaan wrote, "I agree young kids should not be on social media at all. But India needs to ban Boomers on WhatsApp first before it does anything else."

Ishaan Tharoor Jokes About Banning 'Boomers'

Shashi Tharoor's Reply To His Son

Responding to Ishaan's post, Shashi Tharoor pointed out that even his son's generation technically qualifies as "baby boomers" in the Indian context. "Given our reproductive patterns, my son, unlike in the West, every generation of Indians, including yours, qualifies as [baby]Boomers!" he quipped. Sridhar Vembu Urges India To Ban Social Media for Young Children; Here's Why.

Shashi Tharoor's Humorous Comeback

What Does The Term 'Boomer' Mean

A boomer is shorthand for "baby boomer," referring to a person born during the post-World War II era between 1946 and 1964. In India, however, the term has evolved into slang used for older people seen as having outdated views, or authority figures who dish out unwanted advice and hold on to traditional mindsets. Will India Ban Facebook, Instagram for Children Under 16 Like Australia?

Why Sridhar Vembu Called For A Social Media Ban For Children

The Zoho co-founder had called for a ban on young children using social media while reacting to a post about the French parliament passing a landmark bill banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. France became the first European Union country to pass a blanket social media ban after lawmakers in both parliamentary chambers voted in favour of the legislation earlier this week. The new law also prohibited students from using mobile phones inside school premises.

Explaining his stance, Vembu said he wanted the ban implemented so that young children could step away from mobile screens and explore the world around them. "India should ban social media for young children too. I believe young children should read physical books, play in the dirt under the sun, and stay away from social media!" he said.

Mixed Reactions To Vembu's Proposal

Vembu's comments drew a mixed response online, with some users agreeing with his stance while others argued that the government should not involve itself in the personal choices of its citizens.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 09:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).