India’s top philanthropists: Shiv Nadar takes top spot over Ambani and Adani

Nov 8, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

India’s top philanthropists

Hurun India has released its latest list of India’s top philanthropists, with Shiv Nadar and family retaining the leading position, contributing an impressive Rs 2,153 crore. Mukesh Ambani and his family follow in second place with a significant donation of Rs 407 crore. Together, the top 10 philanthropists on this list contributed Rs 4,625 crore in FY24, representing nearly 53% of the total donations recorded.

Credit: Business Insider India

Shiv Nadar & Family

With a commitment to education and culture, Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, leads the list with a remarkable donation of INR 2,153 Cr, largely supporting the Shiv Nadar Foundation’s initiatives.

Credit: BCCL

Mukesh Ambani & Family

Reliance Foundation’s wide-ranging support in healthcare, education, and rural transformation earns Ambani the second spot, with a donation of INR 407 Cr towards empowering communities across India.

Credit: BCCL

Bajaj Family

Honouring their legacy, the Bajaj family’s donation of INR 352 Cr reflects a 33% increase, supporting socio-economic rural development through the Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust and KBJF foundations.

Credit: BCCL

Kumar Mangalam Birla & Family

Committed to multi-sectoral development, Birla’s family contribution of INR 334 Cr, with a significant personal stake, supports education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

Credit: BCCL

Gautam Adani & Family

With INR 330 Cr contributed through the Adani Foundation, the Adani family focuses on education, skill development, and community health, marking a 16% donation increase over the previous year.

Credit: BCCL

Nandan Nilekani

Infosys co-founder Nilekani’s 62% donation increase reflects his dedication to societal progress, with INR 307 Cr directed towards meaningful change alongside his wife Rohini’s philanthropic endeavours.

Credit: BCCL

Krishna Chivukula

Debuting on the list, Chivukula donated INR 228 Cr to IIT Madras, his alma mater, making the largest contribution in the institution’s history to support fellowships, sports, and high-risk research.

Credit: acr.iitm.ac.in

Anil Agarwal & Family

Guided by a mission of inclusive growth, Agarwal’s Vedanta CSR arm has contributed INR 181 Cr to transformative initiatives, impacting millions in communities across India.

Credit: BCCL

Susmita & Subroto Bagchi

Supporting education and health, the Bagchis contributed INR 179 Cr, establishing the Bagchi School of Public Health in 2023 to drive public health education and research.

Credit: BCCL

Rohini Nilekani

Ranked 10th in the list, with a philanthropic donation of INR 154 Cr, Rohini Nilekani, co-founder of EkStep and Giving Pledge signatory, remains dedicated to advancing education and social initiatives in India.

Credit: BCCL

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