Shashi Tharoor's son asks for ‘boomers’ to be banned on WhatsApp, Congress MP outwits him
The debate emerged as the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest resulted in the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks. | India News
The debate emerged as the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest resulted in the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is known for his way with words and sharp wit. His son, Ishaan Tharoor, would know that best. And if he somehow didn't, he certainly does now, after his father delivered a classic quip—just for him.
It all started with a post on X by Ishaan, in which he called 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.
"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 wrote on his X handle.
Shashi Tharoor quickly pounced on his son’s remarks, saying that even Ishaan's generation qualifies as "baby boomers".
"Given our reproductive patterns, my son, unlike in the West, every generation of Indians, including yours, qualifies as [baby]Boomers!" he replied.
The debate emerged after the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests culminated in the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged paper leaks. The CJP began as a social media page just a couple of months ago but went on to organise one of the country's biggest Gen Z protests demanding exam reforms.
Shashi Tharoor on CJP protest
Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan showed that governments cannot ignore the voices of citizens who protest peacefully and persistently.
Tharoor praised Gen Z for turning their frustration over examination irregularities into action, saying that youth had strengthened democracy by holding the government accountable.
In a video, Tharoor said, “The resignation of the Education Minister is an important moment. It reminds us of something fundamental about democracy: when citizens raise their voices peacefully and persistently, governments cannot remain indifferent. Today, it's not about him. It's about a whole generation of young Indians. And Gen Z, I am so proud of you. You took your frustration and turned it into action. You took your anger and channelled it with courage, creativity, and conviction. You refused to be silenced, and you reminded the country that democracy belongs not only to those who govern, but also to those who hold governments accountable.”
He added that while the resignation was an important step, reforms, transparent investigations, and accountability were needed to restore trust in the examination system.
"Keep making the memes, keep being edgy, keep asking uncomfortable questions, keep calling out hypocrisy, but above all, keep showing up. One resignation, I know, cannot ease the anxiety, uncertainty, and hardship that millions of young Indians have endured. It cannot, by itself, restore faith in our examination system. That requires transparent investigations, accountability for those responsible, and reforms that ensure that no student ever has to endure this again. Your voices mattered. Your courage mattered. You have strengthened our democracy. Keep "clocking it", Gen Z. Keep believing that your voice can change India. Today, you have proved that it can. This is only the beginning of reform. Let's stay at it," he further said.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More
