The subject of Economics as a 'science' has often garnered a lot of traction in terms of whether the subject fits into the paradigm of science at large.

Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, appears to be that voice, that does not necessarily believe in the apparent merits of the discipline.

Practically Useless

In a recent post, while reacting to a comment on one his earlier posts, Vembu made certain remarks on the matter.

An X user responding to his older post, said, "Most Indian Economists have bought into academic theorists from very different economic systems, with no experience in policies that can help mammoth economies like China/India to grow. I of feel helpless as a finance practitioner when these economists parrot the narratives of the west, which goes against what is obvious to practitioners."

Replying to this, Vembu went on a rampage, and said, "Academic economics achieves the perfect combination of being practically useless while offering an inflated ego trip to its practitioners."

Vembu further added, "I am sure some economist can study that ratio of ego to relevance across fields and prove that their field is the highest and the best. ".

Vembu's Previous Comments

This is not the first time Vembu has spoken on the issue of higher education in the non-STEM field.

Previously, in December 2024, while reacting to Elon Musk's call. invalidating college education, calling it overrated, Vembu made some similar observations.

While reacting a post, in which he was tagged, Vembu said, "India has to value people who do hands-on work, including electricians, plumbers, welders and nurses. We need people who build things."

Attacking degrees in non-STEM courses, especially Economics Vembu said, "We do not need more Economics or Political Science or History majors. I study history, philosophy and economics but I would never want to get a degree in any of them."

According to Vembu, opening ever more degree colleges does not build skills and does not offer livelihoods.