Record-Breaking Contributions
Shiv Nadar, the founder and chairman of HCL Technologies, has once again topped the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List for 2024. This marks the third time in five years that Nadar and his family have claimed the top spot, contributing an impressive ₹2,153 crore in the fiscal year 2024. His philanthropic efforts primarily focus on education, arts, and culture, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Indian philanthropy.
Commitment to Giving Back
Nadar’s dedication to philanthropy is exemplified by his daily donations averaging ₹5.9 crore. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, established in 1994, he supports a wide array of initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and fostering educational opportunities. His contributions not only stand out for their scale but also for their lasting impact on society.
Mukesh Ambani and the Bajaj Family Follow
In second place is Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, who donated ₹407 crore. The Ambani family, through the Reliance Foundation, has been instrumental in promoting health, education, and rural development. Following closely is the Bajaj family, now ranked third with a donation of ₹352 crore, reflecting a 33% increase from the previous year, primarily directed towards education and healthcare initiatives.
Impact of Kumar Mangalam Birla and Gautam Adani
Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, contributed ₹334 crore, with 30% of this amount coming from his personal funds. His philanthropic initiatives span healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group, donated ₹330 crore, focusing on education, skill development, and community health through the Adani Foundation.
Emerging Philanthropists
A notable entry this year is Krishna Chivukula, chairman of INDO MIM, who made his debut on the list with a historic ₹228 crore donation to IIT Madras, the largest in the institution’s history. This contribution marks a significant milestone for both the company and Indian philanthropy.
Noteworthy Contributions from Other Leaders
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, increased his donations by 62% to ₹307 crore in FY24. His wife, Rohini Nilekani, also made a significant impact with ₹154 crore. Additionally, Anil Agarwal and his family donated ₹181 crore through Vedanta, while Susmita and Subroto Bagchi contributed ₹179 crore, focusing on public health through their recent establishment of the Bagchi School of Public Health at Ahmedabad University.
A Growing Culture of Philanthropy
The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 underscores the rising culture of giving in India. The entry threshold for the top ten philanthropists has now doubled to ₹154 crore from ₹83 crore five years ago. Today, 18 individuals donate over ₹100 crore, a substantial increase from just nine in 2019. Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder and Chief Researcher of Hurun India, noted that India now possesses one of the largest groups of philanthropists globally, signaling a promising shift in how wealth is utilized for social good.
Conclusion
As noted by Naghma Mulla, CEO of EdelGive Foundation, the list serves as a beacon for the philanthropic sector, showcasing the potential of giving to reshape the future. The growing number of philanthropists in India is a testament to the country’s evolving approach to philanthropy and its positive impact on society.
