Hate math? Perhaps it’s because you were never taught it in a fun way. Learning math can actually be fun and easy. Ever heard of the Abacus?
The abacus is one of the oldest tools to learn arithmetic. It is a simple wooden frame with beads that help you count, add, subtract, and do basic calculations quickly. But more than that, it trains your mind to think faster. For children, learning with an abacus improves memory, focus, and overall brain development.
For Geeta Kabadi, founder of Radiant Abacus, mathematics is not only a subject but a way to build confidence, discipline, and independence in young minds. Her journey from a small-town girl in Bhadravati to leading 65 abacus centres across Karnataka is a story of hard work, faith, and determination.
Early Life and Inspiration
Geeta Kabadi grew up in Bhadravati, a small industrial town in the state of Karnataka. Her father worked at VISL, and her childhood was simple and disciplined. Even as a student, she loved mathematics and often scored full marks.
“I used to get 100 out of 100 in maths,” she smiles.
She has been deeply influenced by a lady doctor she met as a child. “I always wanted to go to the office, not stay at home,” she recalls. That dream shaped her attitude toward work and independence. After completing her B.Sc. in Electronics, she began her career as a lecturer and academic administrator. But life had other plans for her.
Finding Purpose After Motherhood
She settled in Hubli after her wedding and soon started exploring new ways to build a career that balanced work and family. She pursued small ventures, including tuition classes and saree sales. However, following the birth of her second daughter, she sought a more meaningful career that could evolve alongside her family life.
A cousin introduced her to the abacus, a learning tool that helps develop mental calculation and focus. Geeta Kabadi was curious. She travelled to Bangalore and later to Chennai in 2004 to undergo formal training, carrying her one-year-old daughter and her mother along.
The training required dedication, but she never gave up. “I wanted a career where I could give time to my children and still grow professionally,” she says.
Starting the Radiant Abacus
In August 2004, Geeta Kabadi started her first centre, Radiant Academy, with just ₹3 lakh of her savings and her father’s support. Initially, she worked under a franchise from a Chennai-based company. Starting small, she conducted her first abacus training sessions in Hubli.
Her early days were filled with anxiety. “I had stage fright; even giving the first demo was tough,” she remembers. The first demo had no enrollments. But she learned fast, refined her presentation, and on the next attempt, 17 students joined immediately.
Within a month, she had started three batches with a total of 45 students. This marked the beginning of what would later become Radiant Abacus.
Growth and Independence
By 2012, Geeta Kabadi had over 600 students. The franchise model began to limit her freedom and profits. She realised she wanted to create her own brand. So, with courage and clarity, she launched Radiant Abacus as an independent organisation.
During a parents’ meeting, she announced her decision to separate from the franchise. Parents responded with full support: “For us, it doesn’t matter if it’s a franchise or private, we trust you.” That moment gave her the confidence to move forward.
She built her own books, materials, and methods locally, empowering nearby suppliers. “I believe in giving opportunities to people around me,” she says. Radiant Abacus became not only a school for arithmetic excellence but also a platform for women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence.
Empowering Women Through Abacus Training
From one small centre in Hubli, Radiant Abacus grew to over 65 centres across Karnataka, including Tumkur, Bijapur, Gadag, Haveri, and Dharwad. Geeta Kabadi chose a unique model. She does not charge royalty or franchise fees. “If they are happy working with me, they continue,” she explains.
Today, Radiant Abacus has trained more than 80 women teachers, most of whom were housewives before joining. They now run successful classes and contribute to their families. “When a woman earns, she earns respect too,” Geeta kabadi says proudly.
Her philosophy is simple: service first, money later. Her leadership has created a warm, family-like culture among teachers. They take annual trips, celebrate festivals, and share achievements.
How Abacus Training Helps Kids
Radiant Abacus focuses on whole-brain development. Through visualisation and finger movement, the abacus activates both sides of the brain, improving memory, concentration, and imagination. Children trained here can solve up to 200 sums in 8 minutes with full accuracy.
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“Abacus is not just about addition or subtraction. It’s about developing the brain to think faster and focus better,” Geeta Kabadi explains. The program is ideal for children between 6 and 13 years, the best age for mental flexibility. Many parents have seen their children’s grades jump from 50 to 100 in maths after joining Radiant Abacus.
Building Trust and Reputation
Initially, it was hard to convince parents and schools to join. Geeta Kabadi began giving free demos in schools and invited principals as guests during competitions. Once they saw the students’ progress, schools began to support her initiative.
Major institutions such as KLE and Chinmaya became long-term partners. Today, Radiant Abacus conducts annual state-level competitions where more than 1,700 students participate in mental arithmetic contests. These events showcase talent and inspire confidence in both students and parents.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
While Radiant Abacus began with traditional teaching, Geeta has also embraced technology. Her team has created a digital practice software that allows students to practise oral sums, record attendance, and track progress online.
Her daughter now leads the digital marketing and automation side of the academy, helping Radiant Abacus reach new audiences and streamline operations. “We are growing together as a family and as a team,” Geeta Kadabi says.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Geeta Kabadi faced many challenges along the way — financial uncertainty, public speaking fear, and self-doubt. At first, earning even a modest fee of ₹1,500 felt like a struggle. She soon learned that self-belief and persistence mattered the most.
Her motto, “ Follow quality, money will follow you,” has guided every decision. She focused on excellence in teaching, discipline, and compassion. Her teachers admire her patience and positive spirit. “Competitors are not enemies. If we take them positively, the market grows for all,” she says.
Awards and Recognition
Geeta’s work has earned her several honours, including the Best Women Entrepreneur Award from TIE Hubli, presented by Ramesh Aravind and celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. She has also been recognised by the Deshpande Foundation and invited to national women entrepreneurship events.
Her leadership and consistent results have made Radiant Abacus one of the most trusted brands for abacus training for kids in Karnataka.
Leadership and Balance
Behind every achievement is balance. Geeta Kabadi credits her husband and family for their constant support. She manages her professional and personal life with discipline. A fitness enthusiast, she practices Zumba and believes in daily movement to stay energetic.
“I never wanted to show off on social media. I do my work for myself, not for others,” she says. Her humility and commitment make her a respected coach and mentor among both teachers and parents.
The Future of the Radiant Abacus
Geeta’s dream is to maintain quality while expanding nationally. She wants to bring abacus training to more Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. Her long-term goal is to create a generation of confident, independent thinkers through the art of mental arithmetic.
With her daughter joining the venture, Radiant Abacus is preparing for a promising digital future. “Being grounded keeps us growing,” she says with a smile.
Conquer the Fear Of Math
Geeta’s story serves as proof that passion can turn into purpose. Through Radiant Abacus, she has not only made mathematics fun for thousands of children but has also empowered dozens of women to build their own identity.
Her message to women entrepreneurs and educators is simple and strong:
“Don’t wait for validation. If you think it is good, try it.”
From teaching addition to inspiring ambition, Geeta’s journey shows how one woman’s love for numbers can create a legacy of learning, empowerment, and cognitive development.
Radiant Abacus continues to turn ordinary classrooms into places where confidence grows, minds expand, and every number counts.
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