India's Compassionate Leaders: Rohini Nilekani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Bina Shah Among Top Philanthropists in 2025
In a year marked by significant philanthropic contributions, Rohini Nilekani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Bina Shah have emerged as leading figures in India's philanthropic landscape. The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 highlights their remarkable efforts, showcasing their commitment to addressing critical social issues and driving meaningful change.
Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co-founder of EkStep Foundation, has been recognized as India's most generous woman philanthropist. With a donation of ₹204 crore in the past year, Nilekani focuses on social innovation and systemic change across various sectors, including education, climate action, governance, and gender equity. Her cumulative contribution over the past five years amounts to ₹763 crore, demonstrating her sustained commitment to philanthropic causes. Nilekani's philanthropic philosophy centers on building a strong "samaaj" or society, emphasizing the importance of communities working for their own betterment. Her efforts support various civil society organizations working in areas like climate change, gender equity, and animal welfare. Rohini, along with her husband Nandan Nilekani, have signed the Giving Pledge, committing half their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the Executive Chairperson and founder of Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited, is a well-recognized name in the realm of philanthropy. Mazumdar-Shaw dislikes the term "philanthropy", believing that it often provides temporary fixes rather than addressing the root cause or the underlying situation. She prefers the term "compassionate capitalist", believing that properly applied business models can provide an ongoing foundation for sustainable social progress. In 2004, she established the Biocon Foundation, which focuses on healthcare, education, and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas lacking healthcare facilities. Motivated by personal experiences, including the death of her best friend and her family's battles with cancer, Mazumdar-Shaw established the Mazumdar-Shaw Medical Foundation in 2009. This foundation includes a 1,400-bed cancer care center at Narayana Health City in Bangalore, aiming to create a world-class cancer center with advanced therapeutics and research facilities. Her commitment extends to supporting scientific research and innovation, with the goal of making a significant difference in global healthcare through affordable innovation.
Bina Shah, alongside her husband Harish Shah, has made substantial contributions through the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation. Their giving rose sharply by 77%, placing them 16th on the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025. Established in 2002, the foundation supports a wide range of initiatives across geographies and communities, addressing both long-standing needs and emerging priorities. The Harish & Bina Shah Foundation maintains a diversified portfolio, supporting causes from public health to governance matters. Bina Shah's vision for philanthropy centers on compassion, competence, and courage in leadership, aiming to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient society. The foundation has partnered with organizations like India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) to launch the Harish and Bina Shah Centre for Talent and Leadership, investing in India's nonprofit talent and leadership ecosystem.
The collective contributions of these women, along with other philanthropists in India, have led to a record ₹10,380 crore in donations in 2025, marking an 85% surge over the past three years. This increase reflects the growing culture of large-scale giving in India, with a focus on addressing critical social and economic challenges. The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 highlights the increasing number of individuals donating over ₹100 crore annually, rising from just two in 2018 to 18 in 2025. The average individual donation has also grown significantly, indicating a deepening commitment to philanthropy among India's wealthy.
