Revathi Kamath
| |
| Revathi Kamath in 2026 | |
| Born | 14 April 1955 (age 71) Karnataka, India |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Veena artist, environmentalist, philanthropist, educationist |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Landscape development, lake rejuvenation, environmental conservation, rural education, Akshara Daana |
| Notable works | |
| Awards | |
| Parents | N. Krishnamurthy |
| Religion | Hinduism |
Revathi Kamath (also known as Smt. Revathi Kamath or Revathi Raghuram Kamath) is an Indian entrepreneur, Veena artist, environmentalist, philanthropist, and educationist based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. She is best known for her pioneering work in landscape development, environmental conservation, lake rejuvenation, rural education, and social welfare. She is the founder of Calyx Landscape & Organic Farming and the driving force behind Akshara Daana, an initiative dedicated to improving educational infrastructure in government schools across Karnataka. She is also recognized as the mother of entrepreneurs Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, founders of Zerodha.[1][2][3]
Early Life & Education
Revathi Kamath was born on 14 April 1955 in Karnataka, India and was raised in a traditional family that placed strong emphasis on education, Indian culture, and classical music. Her father, N. Krishnamurthy, was initially a lawyer and later became a Veena instructor at the Vanamaya School in Mysore. His passion for Carnatic music inspired her from an early age.
She began learning the Veena during childhood under the renowned musician Vidwan Venkatagiriyappa, eventually developing into a distinguished Carnatic Veena artist with more than five decades of performance experience. Music has remained one of the defining pillars of her public life alongside entrepreneurship and social service.[4][5]
Career
Revathi Kamath began her entrepreneurial journey with a modest investment of ₹5,000 borrowed to establish a small floral decoration business. Starting with flower decorations for corporate offices and events, she gradually expanded into landscaping, horticulture, event management, gardening, and organic farming.[6][7]
Her enterprise later evolved into Calyx Landscape & Organic Farming, which has undertaken projects for corporate organizations, educational institutions, industries, residential townships, and government agencies. Over the years, the organization has become known for integrating sustainability with landscape architecture.
While working extensively on landscaping projects, she witnessed the increasing depletion of lakes and groundwater resources. This inspired her to dedicate herself to environmental restoration through scientific lake rejuvenation and watershed management.
She has led or supported the restoration of several lakes across Karnataka, including:
- Somanahalli Lake
- Naganayakanahalli Lake
- Mukkodulu Lake
- Chikkere Lake
The restoration of Somanahalli Lake is widely regarded as one of her most significant environmental achievements, helping improve groundwater recharge, revive biodiversity, and replenish hundreds of nearby wells and borewells. Her conservation initiatives emphasize ecological restoration, rainwater harvesting, community participation, and sustainable water management.
Apart from environmental work, Revathi Kamath has remained an accomplished Carnatic Veena artist for over fifty years. She has performed at numerous cultural, devotional, and spiritual events organized by institutions such as ISKCON, The Art of Living Foundation, and several cultural organizations. She is also associated with Shyamala Krishna Sangeeta Sabha, contributing to the preservation and promotion of India's classical musical heritage.
She has also actively supported the Rally for Rivers movement and numerous environmental awareness campaigns advocating water conservation and ecological sustainability.
In 2025, she delivered a keynote address on sustainable landscaping and ecological conservation at Harvard, highlighting India's traditional environmental wisdom and modern sustainability practices.
Notable Works
Akshara Daana
Revathi Kamath is the founder of Akshara Daana, a charitable educational initiative aimed at improving government schools and providing better educational opportunities for rural children across Karnataka.[8]
The initiative focuses on school renovation, smart classrooms, drinking water facilities, electricity and lighting, sanitation infrastructure, libraries, sports facilities, uniforms, books and stationery, digital learning, skill development, and teacher support.
The first phase of Akshara Daana includes projects at:
- Parinita Higher Primary School, Hallagere
- Besagarahalli Government School
- Maddur Government Higher Primary School, Mandya District
- Selected schools in Hassan District
- Bangalore Rural District
- Uttara Kannada District
The initiative has subsequently expanded to educational development projects in Hallagere, Maddur, Gadag, and other rural regions.
Revathi Raghuram Kamath Charitable Trust
Through the Revathi Raghuram Kamath Charitable Trust, she promotes Rural education, Women's empowerment, Community welfare, Environmental conservation, Healthcare, Sustainable development and Save Lives.
She also founded Save Lives, a charitable initiative working with hospitals to provide medical assistance to economically disadvantaged patients and support access to healthcare.
Environmental Conservation
Revathi Kamath has emerged as one of Karnataka's prominent voices in lake rejuvenation and sustainable landscaping. Her environmental philosophy integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern restoration techniques.
Her work focuses on Wetland restoration, Native biodiversity, Rainwater harvesting, Groundwater recharge, Sustainable, landscaping, Community-led conservation and Climate resilience.
She continues to advocate environmentally responsible urban development and ecological restoration through public lectures, educational programs, and conservation initiatives.
Achievements and Recognition
Revathi Kamath has received recognition for her contributions to entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, music, and philanthropy.
| Year | Award / Recognition | Presented by | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | Karnataka Kalashree Award | Government of Karnataka | Contributions to music and arts |
| — | Veda Vibhushana | Vishwabharati Veda Peetha, Gadag–Hubballi | Contributions to Indian culture, education, and social service |
| — | Environmental Leadership Recognition | Various organizations | Lake rejuvenation and water conservation |
| — | Rural Education Recognition | Educational institutions | Educational development and community service |
| — | Entrepreneurial Recognition | Various forums | Landscape development and social entrepreneurship |
Her work has been featured in several publications and forums focusing on entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, environmental conservation, and philanthropy.
Personal Life
Revathi Kamath is married to Raghuram Kamath, a former executive associated with Canara Bank.
The couple has two sons:
Nithin Kamath, entrepreneur and co-founder of Zerodha. Nikhil Kamath, entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Zerodha.
She resides in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and continues to devote herself to environmental conservation, rural education, classical music, and philanthropic activities.
Revathi Kamath has frequently acknowledged Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as one of her greatest inspirations for his vision of education, innovation, and nation-building.
External Links
See also
References
- ↑ Don't Underestimate Yourself: How Zerodha's Kamath Brothers' Mother Went from Borrowing Rs 5,000 to Carrying Flowers to Wipro Office Herself to Being an Inspiration . In The Economic Times . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ Revathi Kamath – ET Edge 40 Under 40 . In ET Edge . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ My Sons Have Been Very Generous . In The New Indian Express . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ Revathi Kamath's Epic Life of Incredible Experiences and Stellar Success . In Icons of Indian Business . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ How a Bengaluru Homemaker Revived a Dying Lake . In The Better India . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ The Lake Lives Again . In The New Indian Express . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ India's Green Voice Speaks at Harvard: Revathi Kamath Delivers Landmark Address on Sustainable Landscaping . In Bangalore Outreach . Retrieved 21 July 2026
- ↑ Restoring Somanahalli Lake – Narrated by Smt. Revathi Kamath . In Rainmatter Grove . Retrieved 21 July 2026