In a recent LinkedIn post, Nithin Kamath discusses the critical importance of fostering a love for reading in children amidst the pervasive influence of digital devices. Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, shared his participation in the @IndiaReadsaloud initiative, an effort by Turning Pages aimed at cultivating reading habits among young ones.
Kamath highlights the foundational role of reading in nurturing curiosity, contrasting it with the ease with which children are often handed devices. He points out the potential for excessive screen time to lead to endless distraction and a loss of self-control, a challenge he admits extends to adults as well.
“Once they’re on them, the kids lose themselves and can remain endlessly distracted. Even I, as an adult, have a hard time not falling into the trap of endlessly consuming digital content.”
The post raises a significant concern regarding the developmental impact of screens on children. As Nithin Kamath notes, there is emerging research suggesting that excessive screen time may be adversely affecting how children’s brains develop.
Potential Cognitive Disadvantages for a Generation
Kamath elaborates on the serious implications of this trend, suggesting that the current generation of children might be the first to face cognitive disadvantages compared to their parents. This potential outcome, he argues, should be a cause for widespread concern among parents, educators, and society at large.
“There’s emerging research suggesting excessive screen time may be impacting how children’s brains develop, potentially making this the first generation to face cognitive disadvantages their parents didn’t face. This should worry all of us.”
The Zerodha co-founder emphasizes that proactive measures are necessary to counteract these risks. He positions initiatives like India Reads Aloud as vital alternatives that aim to make reading an enjoyable experience for children, rather than a compulsory task.
Building Lifelong Readers Through Joyful Engagement
According to Nithin Kamath, the key to developing enduring reading habits lies in making the act of reading feel joyful and engaging. This approach, he believes, is more effective than imposing reading as a chore.
“Initiatives like India Reads Aloud offer a different path, trying to make reading feel joyful for children and not like a chore. This is how you build lifelong readers.”
Kamath’s message serves as a timely reminder of the enduring value of traditional literacy in an increasingly digital world. His insights underscore the responsibility of adults to guide children towards activities that foster deep cognitive development and sustained attention, ensuring they are not left behind by the rapid pace of technological change.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Nithin Kamath on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 15, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →