'Don't depend on anyone' for change: The rule Zerodha's Nithin and Nikhil Kamath learnt from their mother
Revathi Kamath
steps in with a refreshing blend of art and advocacy. A devoted veena player with a deep-seated love for nature, Kamath has carved a unique identity that gracefully bridges the artistic and the ecological.
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At the recent Sinhasi Social Impact Initiative's seminar focused on
Wetlands Preservation
and Climate Action, Kamath delivered a stirring address. She articulated not only the declining state of wetlands across India but also emphasized the pressing need for public involvement in reviving the country's green spaces.
In her address, Kamath spoke warmly of her family's role in her journey. She expressed particular pride in her sons—Nithin and
Nikhil Kamath
, the founders behind
Zerodha
, India's leading online brokerage platform. According to her, their generous nature is something they inherited. 'They've always had giving hearts. It's simply who they are,' she shared.
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Kamath credits her parenting philosophy, rooted in moral values like kindness, selflessness, and responsibility, for shaping her sons' worldviews. 'From the very beginning, I've raised them to understand the value of contributing meaningfully,' she explained. She recounted how Nithin often advises her to pursue her philanthropic efforts independently—using her own resources rather than relying on external agencies—to gain genuine recognition.
'My sons, especially Nithin, tell me – 'You do it with your own money and don't depend on any organisations, only then people will recognise you.' Nikhil at times will transfer money for a project to me without asking anything,' she told
New Indian Express
.
Kamath also addressed one of the major ecological issues plaguing Indian cities and forests today: the careless introduction of exotic plant species. 'Native flora in Bengaluru is already struggling to survive, and new saplings barely take root anymore. It's truly distressing,' she said. She called attention to how species like the visually striking but ecologically intrusive Tabebuia are being cultivated in forest zones, altering the balance of the ecosystem.
She also mentioned Conocarpus, another non-indigenous species that has made its way into public spaces. 'While I haven't seen Conocarpus inside forest reserves, I have seen it in city parks. It's not a plant that's friendly to biodiversity—it can even trigger allergies in people.'
Another overlooked aspect, she lamented, is the lack of care post-plantation. 'There's a massive focus on tree-planting drives—sometimes involving thousands of saplings—but without ongoing care, most of them perish. We need to focus less on planting in volume and more on nurturing them to maturity,' she stressed.
Despite the emotional and physical demands of her conservation efforts, Kamath finds solace and rejuvenation in her music. For her, playing the veena isn't just a pastime—it's a form of spiritual grounding. 'It's my time to disconnect, like a prayer,' she smiled. Her passion also fuels her philanthropy. 'I'm an entrepreneur, but not one chasing profit. Whatever I earn, I dedicate half of it to environmental causes,' she said. Looking ahead, Kamath is currently involved in several lake restoration projects. 'You don't need a government grant to save a lake. If a thousand people contribute ₹5,000 each—or a lakh of people give just ₹50—we can restore water bodies ourselves,' she affirmed.
A Glimpse Into Her Life
Revathi Kamath is the proud mother of billionaires Nikhil and
Nithin Kamath
. Born in the culturally rich town of Shringeri, she grew up immersed in a world of classical music, scholarly pursuit, and spiritual heritage. Under the guidance of the renowned Veena maestro Venkatagiriyappa, she began her musical training, often practicing as early as 4 a.m., filling her home with the serene notes of devotion.
Her business journey began modestly, with a rented stall in Jayanagar for just ₹500. From there, she built a flourishing flower business that evolved into Calyx, her event management company. She successfully organized elite events for brands like HP, MICO, and BOSCH in premium venues including Leela Palace, Westend, Windsor Manor, and Orange County. Kamath's floral creations earned wide acclaim for their beauty and elegance.
Revathi Kamath continues to inspire with her fusion of art, environmentalism, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
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