Shiv Nadar, billionaire with a big heart, donates Rs 2,153 crore in FY24

Shiv Nadar, founder and chairman of HCL Technologies, has once again proven that his heart is as large as his business empire. For the third time in five years, Nadar and his family have topped the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, contributing Rs 2,153 crore in the fiscal year 2024.
His commitment to giving back, especially in the fields of education, arts, and culture, has made him a role model for philanthropists across India.
The Shiv Nadar Foundation, which Nadar established in 1994, continues to be a pillar of support for various initiatives. His daily donation of Rs 5.9 crore is a testament to his dedication to causes that aim to uplift communities and foster education. In a year that saw a growing number of philanthropists contributing more than ever before, Nadar’s generosity stands out not just for its size but for its enduring impact.
In second place on the list is Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Limited, who donated Rs 407 crore. The Ambani family, known for their philanthropic work through the Reliance Foundation, continues to play a major role in supporting health, education, and rural development initiatives.
The Bajaj family climbed three spots this year to secure third place with a donation of Rs 352 crore, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. The contributions are largely focused on education, healthcare, and rural development, continuing their legacy of social responsibility.
Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Aditya Birla Group, also made an impact with Rs 334 crore in donations, with 30% of the amount coming from his personal funds. His philanthropic efforts span a wide array of initiatives, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Another standout is Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group, who made a philanthropic contribution of Rs 330 crore, securing the fifth spot. The Adani Foundation, which drives much of the group’s charitable activities, focuses heavily on education, skill development, and community health.
There’s also the rise of Krishna Chivukula, chairman of INDO MIM, who made his debut on the list with a monumental Rs 228 crore donation to IIT Madras, marking the largest donation in the institution’s history. This marks a defining moment for the company and for philanthropy in India.
The generosity doesn’t stop there. Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, increased his contributions by 62%, donating Rs 307 crore in FY24. His wife, Rohini Nilekani, a passionate advocate for education, also made a notable contribution of Rs 154 crore, ranking her among the top philanthropists.
Anil Agarwal and his family donated Rs 181 crore through the Vedanta Group’s philanthropic arm, followed closely by Susmita and Subroto Bagchi, who gave Rs 179 crore. The Bagchis’ contributions are especially significant for the public health sector, having recently established the Bagchi School of Public Health at Ahmedabad University.
The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 is a reflection of the growing culture of philanthropy in India. The threshold for entering the top 10 philanthropists has now doubled to Rs 154 crore, up from Rs 83 crore just five years ago.
Today, 18 individuals donate more than Rs 100 crore, a remarkable increase from just 9 in 2019. Anas Rahman Junaid, Founder and Chief Researcher of Hurun India, highlighted this shift, pointing out that India now boasts one of the largest groups of philanthropists globally, despite its smaller population compared to countries like China.
The growing number of philanthropists in India signals a promising shift in how wealth is being used to drive social good. As Naghma Mulla, CEO of EdelGive Foundation, noted, the list “serves as a beacon for the sector” and stands as an example for others to follow, illustrating the immense potential of philanthropy in reshaping the future.