Shiv Nadar, the visionary founder and chairman of HCL Technologies, has once again proven to be one of India’s most generous individuals, topping the Edelgive-Hurun India list for FY24. With a significant donation of ₹2,153 crore, Nadar's contributions saw a remarkable 5% growth, surpassing the donations of India’s wealthiest figures, including Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.

Shiv Nadar’s Contribution: Leading Generosity in India
Shiv Nadar’s commitment to giving continues to set him apart among India’s richest. In FY24, Nadar donated ₹2,153 crore, marking a significant 5% increase over the previous year. His donations have largely supported education, particularly digital literacy and skill development in underserved communities. Nadar’s efforts also contribute to building infrastructure for academic institutions across India, reflecting his dedication to transforming the education sector.

Mukesh Ambani: Second on the List of India’s Most Generous
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, has moved up to second place, contributing ₹407 crore in FY24. Ambani’s charitable efforts focus on healthcare and rural development. Reliance Industries has made significant investments in improving healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas with limited access to medical facilities. Ambani’s giving also focuses on creating long-term, sustainable projects that impact millions of lives.

Corporate Contributions in India: Going Beyond CSR
In addition to individual donations, several companies led by influential promoters have also made substantial contributions. Reliance Industries, for instance, exceeded its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirement, donating ₹900 crore against the mandatory ₹840 crore. Companies like Yardi Software India also donated well beyond the required CSR contributions, signaling a shift towards more impactful and purposeful corporate practices.

Top Female Donors in FY24: Rohini Nilekani Leads the Charge
Philanthropy in India is increasingly seeing contributions from women. Rohini Nilekani, co-founder of EkStep Foundation, donated ₹154 crore in FY24, focusing on ecosystem-building initiatives. Her efforts aim to enhance education systems and support marginalized communities. Another notable female donor, Susmita Bagchi, contributed ₹90 crore. These women, along with others, are becoming key drivers of social change in India.

Trends in Giving: Education and Healthcare Lead Donations
In FY24, education was the most funded sector, with a total of ₹3,680 crore in donations, highlighting its importance in shaping the future of India. Healthcare, which remains a critical concern, received ₹626 crore, followed by rural transformation with ₹331 crore. These trends reflect the current priorities of Indian philanthropists and their focus on creating lasting social impact.

Conclusion: A Culture of Giving on the Rise in India
Shiv Nadar continues to lead the pack in individual donations, but the rise of corporate leaders and women philanthropists signals a positive shift in India’s culture of giving. As India faces challenges in education, healthcare, and rural development, it is encouraging to see significant investments from the wealthiest individuals and companies. This growing culture of generosity reflects a broader commitment to social change, one that goes beyond monetary donations to create lasting impact and opportunities.

The future looks promising, as more high-net-worth individuals and companies follow the example set by Nadar, Ambani, and others, amplifying their impact on society.

Wishing you a prosperous future from NexNews Network.