Shiv Nadar and family
With a significant donation of INR 2,153 Cr, Shiv Nadar became the top philanthropist in India in 2024. As the founder-chairman of HCL Technologies, Nadar increased his contributions by 5 per cent compared to FY23. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, established in 1994, his efforts focus on education and arts and culture, including creating institutions like Shiv Nadar University and VidyaGyan. (File Pic/AFP)
Mukesh Ambani and family
The second on the list are Mukesh Ambani and family with a donation of INR 407 Cr., an 8 per cent increase compared to FY23. The Reliance Foundation's current focus areas include rural transformation, healthcare, education, sports development, disaster management, women empowerment, arts and culture, heritage conservation and urban renewal.
Bajaj family
The Bajaj family has climbed three ranks to secure third place on the list, making a notable donation of INR 352 Cr, reflecting a 33 per cent increase from FY 2023. Through Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust and the Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, they focus on socio-economic development of rural communities. (In pic: Late Rahul Bajaj)
Kumar Mangalam Birla and family
Retaining the fourth position on the list, Kumar Mangalam and family have donated INR 334 Cr. Notably, around 30 per cent of this amount comes from personal funds. Their philanthropic efforts primarily focus on education, healthcare, women's empowerment and sports. (File Pic/AFP)
Gautam Adani and family
The Adani Group has made a philanthropic contribution of INR 330 Cr, securing the fifth position on the list. This amount reflects a 16 per cent increase over the previous year. The largest share of donation from the Adani Foundation is directed towards education, followed by efforts in skill development and community health programs.
Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani ranks sixth on the list with a donation of INR 307 Cr, reflecting a 62 per cent increase from the previous year. Nandan, co-founder of Infosys and chief architect of Aadhaar, began his charitable journey 30 years ago alongside his wife Rohini.
Krishna Chivukula
Krishna Chivukula, Chairman of INDO MIM, has made his debut on the list, securing the seventh position with a notable donation of INR 228 Cr to IIT Madras. An esteemed alumnus of IIT Madras, his contribution marks the largest in the institution's history. It is intended to support various initiatives, including fellowships for top BTech students, sports programs, and high-risk research projects.
Anil Agarwal and family
Anil Agarwal and family have secured the eighth position on the list with a donation of INR 181 Cr. The Anil Agarwal Foundation, Vedanta's philanthropic and CSR arm, has invested approximately INR 2,000 Cr in socio-economic development initiatives across India over the past five years.
Susmita and Subroto Bagchi
Susmita and Subroto Bagchi have entered the top ten of the list with a donation of INR 179 Cr. Their philanthropic efforts are focused on education.
Rohini Nilekani
Rohini Nilekani ranks tenth among the top 10 philanthropists with a donation of INR 154 Cr. As the Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a non-profit education platform, her efforts focus towards advancing education and social initiatives.
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