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Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Don't depend on anyone' for change: The rule Zerodha's Nithin and Nikhil Kamath learnt from their mother
Defying conventional images of what an environmentalist or landscaper typically looks like, 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. #Pahelgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan suspends Simla pact: What it means & who's affected What is India's defence muscle if it ever has to attack? Can Pakistan afford a full-scale war with India? 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List 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.
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
'My sons have been very generous'
Breaking the stereotypical image of a typical environmentalist or a landscaper comes Revathi Kamath, who is a veena player by passion and landscaper at heart, balancing both. Speaking at the recent Sinhasi Social Impact Initiative's conference on Wetlands Conservation & Climate Change, on Sunday, Kamath's words underscore her thoughts on the current state of wetlands in India, the challenges of maintaining them, and how people can do their part to bring back the green. Reflecting on her family's support of her works, she proudly shares how her sons' understanding of her commitment to change reflects the values she instilled in them from a young age. 'Since childhood, they [sons Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, CEO and co-founder of Zerodha (an online brokerage platform), respectively] have been very generous. It's in their genes,' Kamath notes. Her approach to parenting was always rooted in values like empathy and compassion. 'I have brought them up to contribute,' she says, adding, '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 shares, highlighting her sons' approach to supporting her causes. One of the significant challenges while doing environmental conservation, according to Kamath, is the widespread planting of non-native species in the city and forest areas. 'Apart from existing old trees in Bengaluru, new saplings are not growing which is very alarming. Along with that, non-native species like Tabebuia are being planted in our forests, disrupting local ecosystems,' she explains, adding, 'I have not seen Conocarpus planted in forest areas but in public areas like public parks. Conocarpus is not a bio-friendly plant. It may cause lots of allergies to human beings.' She also points out the issue of trees that fail to thrive and die due to a lack of maintenance, stating, 'They plant thousands of trees, but without proper care, they don't grow. We need to focus not just on planting,but on nurturing.' Balancing her musical pursuit which she terms as a 'puja', a relaxing time, and environmental conservation, Kamath also points out how she supports herself for her philanthropic works. 'I am also an entrepreneur. It's not like I am in this for money; whatever income I get, I keep half of it for the philanthropic works.' Further, reflecting on her future projects, Kamath says, 'As a landscaper in India, I know I can rejuvenate a lake with lesser cost. So now I have three to four projects in my hand. If you make a group of 1,000 and contribute `5,000, or if one lakh people contribute `50 each, we can regenerate one lake,' she says. 'We must contribute something to the world. Even though I'm a grandmother, I still believe in this. If something happens to me tomorrow, I won't have any regrets because I've done so much. One person can't do everything, but I've done my part,' she concludes.
