Belief: There are Million ways to Success but there is only one way to Failure ‘Not trying’.
Trustee – Kaagaz Foundation | Mountaineer | Civic & Policy Advocate | Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Award 2017
I am Kavitha Reddy, from Anekal Taluk, Bengaluru. I come from a family of social-political activists with humble beginnings. I believe in Mahatma Gandhi’s call to ‘Be the change you seek’ and I walk in the path of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Those who know me describe me as hardworking and outspoken – because I believe silence never changed anything.
From Boardroom to Basecamp
I spent over two decades in the corporate world. As VP at IndiaLife Hewitt and Co-founder & VP of TeamLease Services – India’s largest staffing company – I worked at the national level on Pension Reforms, Labour Reforms, Skill Development and Training.
But I wanted adventure to be more than a hobby. I wanted it to be a learning tool. That passion led me to co-found Basecamp Adventures, focused on Adventure Travel and Outbound Learning, and to become a Trustee of Kaagaz Foundation – my NGO working on Environment & Climate Change, Women Empowerment, Education, Health and Policy Advocacy.
Today, I also invest in early-stage ventures like Skawin Medical & Healthcare, Talent Tree HR Services and Sunanda’s Kitchen via JK Ventures, and I mentored at IIT Madras Bootcamp 2025.
A Mountaineer at Heart
I am a qualified mountaineer from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), a runner, cyclist, and fitness enthusiast. I have climbed several peaks in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas, including some of the most challenging ones. I am proud to be the 1st mountaineer from Karnataka to summit two mountains in the same year.
I have trekked across the Himalayas and the forests of South India. I am also an adventure photographer and freelance writer on sustainable tourism and safety.
Sport is my way of giving back. Through Kaagaz Foundation, I started #RunForCause. Our flagship HSR 10K Freedom Run on 15th August every year – running since 2013 starting with #SaveAgaraLake – has brought thousands together. We have organized 37+ runs including the Women’s Day Run and Gender Equality Run.
Fighting for Bengaluru’s Lakes
My deepest work is for water. I believe Bengaluru must stop depending only on Cauvery and must revive its lakes as Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) Zones. I have created a simple 3-step method to revive lakes as RWH Zones with less effort, and I take this message to schools and colleges.
My lake journey includes leading the revival of Agara Lake, Somasundrapalya Lake, Mangamanapalya Lake, supporting citizen groups for Haraluru, Kudlu Doddakere, Kembathalli, Beratena Agrahara and currently working with Muthanallur residents to save Muthanallur Lake.
Through Kaagaz, we plant trees every year at lakes, parks, schools and colleges and ensure local communities maintain them. We have built a mini-forest of 300+ trees in HSR Layout, 4th Sector on a cutoff land parcel of Agara Lake.
I am an alumna of B.PAC Civic Leadership Program (B.CLIP) – trained in Public Policy, Civic Administration and Urban Reforms.
The Citizen Campaigner
I believe in decentralized governance and people power. For Bengaluru, I led:
– #KillBills – a citizen movement against visual pollution from illegal flex, banners and posters.
– #PotholePooje – a campaign that forced attention on deadly potholes.
Yatras That Shaped Me
Yatra for Constitution – 816 Kms: With my colleague Jigna Modh, I walked, ran and cycled from Bengaluru to Bidar covering 10 districts to mark 70 years of our Constitution. We spoke to high school and college students enroute. The Yatra entered the India Book of Records.
Bharat Jodo Yatra – 450 Kms: Walked with Shri Rahul Gandhi from Gundlupete to Ballari (30th Sept – 15th Oct 2022).
Mekedatu Padayatra – 65 Kms: Walked from Sangama to Ramanagara for #NammaNeeruNammaHakku.
Unity Ride – 300 Kms: Led 14 first-time cyclists from Bengaluru to Sriperumbudur to pay tribute to Bharat Ratna Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his 77th Birth Anniversary.
Ahimsa Ke Raste: A 4-day deep dive into reclaiming India’s constitutional path through non-violence.
On The Ground: Relief and Resistance
When Kodagu flooded, I was stationed at the DC Office managing relief inflow and kits. During COVID-19 (2020-21), Kaagaz Foundation reached migrant workers and urban poor with food, ration kits and access to government schemes.
Under #MissionSanjeevani with Oxfam India, we trained 7500 ASHA workers across Tumakuru, Ballari, Chitradurga, Bengaluru Rural & Urban, Raichur, Koppal and Kolar on COVID protocols and provided safety kits.
I led the Anti CAA-NPR-NRC protests across Karnataka from the front as a core member of We The People of India.
With 42 units blood donated (as on 31st Aug 2026) I am one of the highest women blood donors in Karnataka. Recognized by the Indian Red Cross Society (2025) and the Health Department Govt of Karnataka, KSAPS, NACO & BBMP (2020), I believe blood donation is a healthy habit and a life-saving duty. I am passionate about inspiring more women and youth to become regular donors, because one donation can save three lives.
Politics With Purpose
I was a member of the Indian National Congress. I served as KPCC State General Secretary till Aug 2024 and as Party Spokesperson from June 2017 to Aug 2023, holding various responsibilities over 15 years.
From 26th July 2024 to Oct 2025, I serve as Member, Karnataka Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
I am a Sangam Fellow, Batch 8 – Netrutva Sangam, a 30-day immersion over 3 months across India to reflect on political leadership and constitutional promise. I also Lead Kranti Sangam, a workshop for women political leaders on gender justice.
My Big Policy Win
For over two years, along with activist Ranjeeta Priyadarshini from Odisha, I campaigned for Menstrual Leave Policy (#PaidPeriodLeave). On 10th October 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet, led by Labour Minister Santosh Lad, approved the Menstrual Leave Policy for women in both public and private sectors – a historic first.
My Current Advocacy – 2026
Widows & Destitute Women Welfare Board | Cervical Cancer Free Karnataka | Gender Neutral Textbooks & Communication | Women Legal Rights Board in all Police Stations | Welfare Board for People with Disabilities | Taking Menstrual Leave Policy to Kerala, Telangana & Tamil Nadu.
………………………….Milestones………………………….
- – Blood Donor, Donated 42nd Unit, 31st Aug 2026
- – Blood Donor, Donated 40th Unit of Blood on 14th Oct 2025
- – Sangam Fellow, Batch 8
– Recognition for highest Blood Donation, Indian Red Cross Society, 14th June 2025
– Mentor, IIT Madras E-Cell Bootcamp 2025
– Blood Donor, Donated 37th Unit Blood on 14th June 2024
– Bharat Jodo Yatra, 30th Sept to 15th October 2022, Gundlupete to Ballari
– Karnataka State Police COVID Warrior Appreciation, Feb 2022
– Outreach and Training of 7500 ASHA Workers in 9 Districts of Karnataka Oct-Nov 2021
– Honorary Doctorate, Bharath Virtual University, Peace & Education, Oct 2021
– Unity Ride, 300 Kms Cycling, Bengaluru to Sriperumbudur, 16th to 20th Aug 2021
– India Prime ICON Award Environmentalist & Social Leader, May 2021
– Honour for Blood Donor, Govt of Kar & BBMP on World Aids Day, 1st Dec 2020
– Record Holder – India Book of Records 2020, Cycling/Walking for 817 Kms (Yatra For Constitution)
– Yatra For Constitution Walk/Run/Cycle 817 Kms 14 Days, Bengaluru – Bidar, 26 Nov – 9 Dec 2019
– Author, Agara Lake Book, Handbook released on 5th June 2019
– Author, Voices Matter, a compilation of her articles, 9th May 2019
– Volunteered during Kodagu Flood Relief Operations, Aug 2018
– Author, Nanna Olage Indira – Women Safety Handbook, released by Chief Minister, GoK, 2017
– Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Award, Govt of Karnataka, 2017
– 1st Mountaineer from Karnataka to climb two peaks in Indian Himalayas same year, 2012
– Climbed over 15 peaks in Indian & Nepal Himalayas
– Finalist at Sankalp Awards 2011, a Social Entrepreneur Award
– Co-published ‘Making India’s Labour Markets Inclusive‘, 2009
– Senior Under Officer & NCC ‘C’ Certification, 1994
– Indo-Canada Youth Exchange, 1994
– Participated at Republic Day Parade & PM Rally, Kar & Goa NCC Directorate, 1993
– Received Winners Trophy for NCC Directorate Kar & Goa from PM, 1993
– Brown Belt in Karate 1993
– College Athlete, 1988 -1993
………………………….Associations & Civic Roles………………………….
– Vice President, Janamukhi (voice for the oppressed), Jan 2026
– Patron, Indian Red Cross Society, July 2025
– General Secretary, Siddaramaiah-75 Amruta Mahotsava Committee
– EC Member, RWA 1st Sector HSR Layout (2019-2021)
– Founder Vice President, Agara Lake Protection & Management Society (ALPMS)
– Co-Founder Member HaSiRu Mithra a Citizen initiative for a better locality
– Civic Hub Leader, a B.PAC initiative
– Member, Karnataka Mountaineering Association
………………………….Government & Political Roles………………………….
– KPCC General Secretary, In-charge Bellary City, till Aug 2024
– Member, Karnataka Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, July 2024-2025
– KPCC General Secretary, In-charge Mahalaxmi Layout AC, MLC 2024 Elections
– KPCC General Secretary, In-charge Dharwad LS Constituency, 2024 Elections
– Spokesperson, June 2017 – Aug 2023 & General Secretary, Communication Dept, July 2022-Aug 2023
– KPCC General Secretary, from April 2022, In-charge Harappanahalli & Harihara
– KPCC Observer, Chitradurga District, Digital Membership Driven & KPCC Programs, 2021-22
– KPCC Observer, RR Nagara By-Elections 2020, Laggere Ward – Booths 160, 161, 162, 163
– KPCC In-charge for #PratijnaDina 2020, Chikkaballapura Block
– Member, KPCC COVID19 Task Force, 2020
– Member, All India Congress Committee (AICC), from 2017-2022
– Spokesperson, KPCC (417+ debates mostly regional media in 48 months, June 2017-Aug 2023)
– Member, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Campaign Committee (Elections 2018)
– State Secretary, Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee (till Oct 2018)
– AICC Zonal Coordinator (Telangana) Jan-Vedna Campaign, 2016
– Social Media contributor for Indian National Congress (till 2016)
– My story was featured in the A One Billion and One Voices video by Indian National Congress
– Featured in the re-launch video of National Herald
– Gen. Secretary Bommanahalli Block, Bengaluru Urban District Mahila Congress, 2014