India’s Richest Donate Record Rs 10,380 Crore in 2025, Education Top Priority

India's wealthiest individuals collectively contributed a record Rs 10,380 crore in 2025, marking an 85% surge over three years, as per the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025. This reflects a significant rise in large-scale philanthropy across the nation. Shiv Nadar and his family once again secured the top position, donating Rs 2,708 crore, primarily through the Shiv Nadar Foundation focused on education, arts, and culture. Mukesh Ambani and family ranked second with Rs 626 crore, with contributions channeled through the Reliance Foundation. The Bajaj family secured third place with Rs 446 crore, continuing their focus on rural upliftment. Other notable donors include Kumar Mangalam Birla (Rs 440 crore), Gautam Adani (Rs 386 crore), Nandan Nilekani (Rs 365 crore), the Hinduja family (Rs 298 crore), Rohini Nilekani (Rs 204 crore), Sudhir and Samir Mehta (Rs 189 crore), and Cyrus and Adar Poonawalla (Rs 173 crore). Rohini Nilekani was recognized as the most generous woman philanthropist. The list also shows a dramatic increase in high-value donors, with 18 individuals donating over Rs 100 crore annually, up from just two in 2018. Education remains the most supported cause, receiving Rs 4,166 crore, while the pharmaceutical sector led as the biggest contributor industry. Mumbai leads as the philanthropy capital. Reliance Industries also topped corporate CSR expenditure.

Impact This news indicates strong economic performance enabling significant wealth creation and subsequent philanthropic activities. It highlights growing social consciousness among India's elite and the positive impact of these contributions on sectors like education and healthcare, which can foster long-term societal development and human capital growth. It also signals robust corporate responsibility efforts. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult Terms: Philanthropists: Individuals who actively promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. Foundation: An organization established for charitable or educational purposes. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A business model that helps a company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing CSR, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.