Top 10 Indian Philanthropists in 2024: Donation Leaders Revealed

In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, philanthropy continues to play an essential role in the nation's development. This year, the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 highlighted some of the biggest names in the country who have contributed generously to causes ranging from education to healthcare and more.

Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 philanthropists in India in 2024, as well as the causes they support and their staggering contributions.

1. Shiv Nadar & Family

Donation (INR Cr): 2,153
Primary Cause: Education
Company/Foundation: Shiv Nadar Foundation

Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, tops the list with an annual donation of INR 2,153 crore, amounting to Rs 5.9 crore per day. His philanthropy primarily focuses on education, with the Shiv Nadar Foundation making significant contributions toward building world-class educational institutions.

2. Mukesh Ambani & Family

Donation (INR Cr): 407
Primary Cause: Admission for disadvantaged communities
Company/Foundation: Reliance Foundation

As the chairman of Reliance Industries, Mukesh Ambani and his family continue to be at the forefront of Indian philanthropy. Their donations, amounting to INR 407 crore, support various initiatives, including providing education and admission opportunities for disadvantaged communities through the Reliance Foundation.

3. Bajaj Family

Donation (INR Cr): 352
Primary Cause: Engineering Education
Company/Foundation: Bajaj Group Trust

The Bajaj family, associated with the Bajaj Group, has been donating generously to causes related to engineering education. The family's Bajaj Group Trust has made a contribution of INR 352 crore to enhance educational facilities across India.

4. Kumar Mangalam Birla & Family

Donation (INR Cr): 334
Primary Cause: Education
Company/Foundation: Aditya Birla Capital Foundation

The Birla family, under the leadership of Kumar Mangalam Birla, has contributed INR 334 crore toward improving educational infrastructure. Their foundation, the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, is actively involved in higher education and scholarship programs.

5. Gautam Adani & Family

Donation (INR Cr): 330
Primary Cause: Education in Remote Villages
Company/Foundation: Adani Foundation

Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, and his family focus on transforming rural India. With a donation of INR 330 crore, the Adani Foundation supports educational initiatives for children in remote villages.

6. Nandan Nilekani

Donation (INR Cr): 307
Primary Cause: Ecosystem Building
Company/Foundation: Nilekani Philanthropies

As the co-founder of Infosys, Nandan Nilekani has been instrumental in fostering innovation and building ecosystems that empower communities. His philanthropic donations totaling INR 307 crore support various tech-driven initiatives for social good.

7. Krishna Chivukula

Donation (INR Cr): 228
Primary Cause: Education
Company/Foundation: ASHA Foundation

Krishna Chivukula and his ASHA Foundation focus on providing quality education to underserved communities. With a donation of INR 228 crore, he has significantly impacted the education sector in rural India.

8. Anil Agarwal & Family

Donation (INR Cr): 181
Primary Cause: Education
Company/Foundation: Anil Agarwal Foundation

Anil Agarwal, founder of Vedanta Resources, and his family have donated INR 181 crore to advance education in both urban and rural areas through the Anil Agarwal Foundation.

9. Susmita & Subroto Bagchi

Donation (INR Cr): 179
Primary Cause: Public Healthcare
Company/Foundation: Mindtree

The couple behind Mindtree, Susmita and Subroto Bagchi, focuses on improving public healthcare. With a donation of INR 179 crore, their philanthropic efforts aim to improve the healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions.

10. Rohini Nilekani

Donation (INR Cr): 154
Primary Cause: Education and Social Welfare
Company/Foundation: Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

The most generous woman on the list, Rohini Nilekani, has donated INR 154 crore through her philanthropic foundation. She focuses on education and social welfare, striving to create equitable access to opportunities.

Conclusion:

The 2024 EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List underscores the commitment of India's richest individuals to making a tangible difference in society. The top 10 philanthropists listed here have donated over INR 5,000 crore in total, showcasing the growing trend of corporate social responsibility and personal charitable contributions aimed at addressing critical issues like education, healthcare, and community welfare.