Significant contributions have been made to India’s philanthropic scene this year; the top 10 philanthropists alone have donated Rs 4,625 crore, or 53% of all charitable gifts made in fiscal 2024. The most recent EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List demonstrates the significant influence these donations are having on a range of fields, including rural development and education. Shiv Nadar, the creator of HCL Technologies, is at the top of the list for the third time in five years. Newcomers Krishna Chivukula, Susmita, and Subroto Bagchi are also welcomed to the list. Here are some motivational tales of the leading philanthropists in India and their causes.
1. Shiv Nadar and Family: Championing Education
Once again topping the list, Shiv Nadar and family have demonstrated their commitment to India’s educational growth. Donating Rs 2,153 crore through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, they increased their contributions by 5% from the previous year. Nadar, the visionary founder of HCL Technologies, has consistently supported educational initiatives, believing it to be a key lever for India’s future.
2. Mukesh Ambani and Family: Empowering Communities
Second place goes to Mukesh Ambani and his family of Reliance Industries, who donated Rs 407 crore through the Reliance Foundation, an 8% increase from the previous year. The foundation funds a number of initiatives that give underprivileged populations access to high-quality healthcare, education, and skill-building opportunities.
3. Bajaj Family: Rural Socio-Economic Development
This year, the Bajaj family climbed to third place, donating Rs 352 crore—a substantial 33% increase. To honor the legacies of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj and Shri Kamalnayan Bajaj, they established the Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust and the Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. The family’s primary focus has been socio-economic development, targeting rural areas.
4. Kumar Mangalam Birla and Family: Holistic Development for a Better Society
This year, Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, increased his donation by 17% to Rs 334 crore. His personal finances account for about 30% of this total, demonstrating his strong dedication to charitable causes. The Birla family’s charitable activities promote women’s empowerment, sports, healthcare, and education with the goal of a well-rounded approach to social development.
5. Gautam Adani and Family: Investing in Education and Health
With a Rs 330 crore donation through the Adani Foundation, the Adani family—led by Gautam Adani—maintained their fifth-place ranking. The family’s efforts, which are centered on education, skill development, and community health projects, demonstrate their commitment to creating a more knowledgeable and healthy India. Adani’s contributions increased by 16% over the previous year, indicating a boost in funding for social improvement.
6. Nandan Nilekani: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
With a noteworthy 62% rise in donations to Rs 307 crore, co-founder of Infosys Nandan Nilekani rose to sixth spot. Through Nilekani Philanthropies, Nandan and his wife Rohini promote ecosystem development. The couple, who started their charitable endeavors thirty years ago, is concentrating on long-term initiatives that seek to make a significant effect.
7. Krishna Chivukula: A First-time Donor Making a Big Impact
New entrant Krishna Chivukula, chairman of INDO-MIM, made headlines with his Rs 228 crore donation, the largest single donation ever to IIT Madras. Chivukula’s contributions, focused on supporting top BTech students, sports programs, and innovative research, have helped him secure the seventh spot. His philanthropic journey represents a powerful commitment to India’s academic and technological advancement.
8. Anil Agarwal: Empowering Through Education
Vedanta’s Anil Agarwal ranks eighth with a Rs 181 crore donation. While lower than last year’s figure by 25%, Agarwal’s efforts have positively impacted millions, especially in education and socio-economic development. Through the Anil Agarwal Foundation, Vedanta has directed resources toward educational programs that benefit nearly 1,300 villages across India, providing quality education and empowerment opportunities.
9. Susmita and Subroto Bagchi: Pioneers in Public Health Education
Mindtree founder Subroto Bagchi and his wife Susmita also joined the top 10 with their Rs 179 crore donation, marking a 63% increase from last year. The Bagchis’ work emphasizes public health education, highlighted by the establishment of the Bagchi School of Public Health at Ahmedabad University.
10. Rohini Nilekani: Leading with Purpose
At tenth place and as the most generous woman on the list, Rohini Nilekani has donated Rs 154 crore through her philanthropy foundation, focusing on ecosystem-building initiatives. The Nilekanis’ decision to sign the Giving Pledge is testament to their belief in impactful giving.
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