The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in 2024.

In the bustling district of Thrissur, Kerala, Lathika Suthan has carved a niche for herself in the world of floral cultivation. She has amassed a stunning collection of nearly 100 lotus plant varieties and 80 water lily species at her home.

Interestingly, Lathika grows rare and prized lotus specimens, such as the Ancient Maple Leaf and the 1,000-petal lotus. These varieties are hardy and widely-known. She says these bloomed for the first time in Kerala in her garden.

This remarkable feat garnered attention from magazines and social media, sparking widespread interest in lotuses and attracting numerous enthusiasts to her doorstep.

“Through this, many people came to know about lotuses and started contacting me. I started giving tubers to individuals keen on cultivating these exquisite plants. And then I thought, why not make a business out of it?” shares Lathika.

Seizing the opportunity to share her passion with others and recognising the potential for a flourishing business, she transformed her hobby into a profitable venture. Every month, the 51-year-old manages to earn up to Rs 40,000.

We sat down with her to trace her journey from being a primary school teacher to becoming a flourishing

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