'Gujarat as Thailand, Assam as Canada': Zerodha's Nithin Kamath shares an old post about interesting comparison of India

Indian billionaire and Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath recently shared his thoughts on India’s unparalleled diversity after a visit to Europe. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kamath compared his European experiences with India’s cultural, linguistic, and culinary variety. “Everything felt like a cut, copy, and paste with very small differences,” he wrote, contrasting it with India, which he described as “more like a continent than a country.” His post ignited discussions about India’s unity, diversity, and the challenges of nation-building.

India’s Rich Diversity: A Continental Comparison

Kamath’s observations emphasised the depth of India’s contrasts across its 28 states, highlighting differences in languages, food, and cultural practices. “Even within individual states, the differences are nuts,” he added, pointing to India’s layered complexity. Reflecting on the country’s ability to stay united despite such diversity, he remarked, “Every time I think of this, I am amazed at how the country actually came together.”



This statement resonates with the idea that India’s unity is an anomaly given the sheer breadth of its contrasts. From the north to the south, each state is a microcosm of languages, traditions, and customs—a reality few other countries experience on this scale.

Public Reactions: Celebrations and Criticisms

Kamath’s post struck a chord with many social media users. One user applauded India’s strength in unity, stating, “It’s this diversity that makes us stronger. Our ability to unite across cultures and languages is what sets India apart from the rest of the world.”

However, the conversation also invited criticism. A user pointed to the country’s systemic issues, saying, “Our potential is held back by the few who prioritise their own interests over the nation’s growth.” Another quipped, “Well, we have uniformity of air pollution, bad roads, and garbage-lined streets,” reflecting the growing frustration with infrastructure and environmental challenges.

Kamath has often used social media to share insights on various issues. In a related post, he remarked on the relationship between air quality and property prices, suggesting that air pollution should influence real estate values in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru. His comments frequently highlight the interplay between India’s development and the challenges of sustaining its progress.

A Takeaway on “Incredible India”

The discussions sparked by Kamath’s observations reflect a deeper truth about India’s identity. Its diversity is both a source of pride and a challenge in governance, development, and unity. As Kamath aptly concluded, “That’s why it’s incredible India.” While the nation continues to grapple with hurdles, its rich diversity remains a testament to its resilience and character.