Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co-founder of EkStep Foundation, has been named India’s most generous woman philanthropist in the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025.
Nilekani, 66, contributed ₹204 crore over the past year, reaffirming her leadership in driving social innovation and systemic change across education, climate action, governance, and gender equity.
According to the Hurun Research Institute, 24 women philanthropists featured on this year’s list. Nilekani’s total cumulative contribution over the past five years stands at ₹763 crore. Her philanthropy has focused on strengthening civil society institutions and building sustainable ecosystems for equitable growth.
Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is second on the list, donating ₹83 crore this year and ₹310 crore cumulatively over five years. Through Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP), she supports scientific research, education, and healthcare access. MSP aims to build research ecosystems, foster artistic expression, and promote India’s cultural heritage to drive long-term social impact.
Also Read: India's top donated ₹103,800,000,000 in 2025. Shiv Nadar leads with ₹2,708 crore; here's how much Adani & Ambani donated
At the third position is Bina Shah, Co-founder of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, who donated ₹69 crore. Her foundation works across education, health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.
Anu Aga & family followed with ₹56 crore, primarily focused on education through the Thermax Foundation and initiatives like Teach for India and Akanksha.
Sheela Kochouseph, representing the K Chittilappilly Foundation, ranked fifth with donations worth ₹54 crore. Her family’s philanthropy supports education, skill development, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in rural areas.
Other notable philanthropists on the list include Leena Gandhi Tewari (USV), Kumari Shibulal (Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives), and Archana Chandra (A.T.E. Chandra Foundation), who contributed ₹36 crore, ₹33 crore, and ₹24 crore to areas such as social welfare, education, and water conservation.
Most generous women of India– EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025
Source: Hurun Research Institute; EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025
Nilekani, 66, contributed ₹204 crore over the past year, reaffirming her leadership in driving social innovation and systemic change across education, climate action, governance, and gender equity.
According to the Hurun Research Institute, 24 women philanthropists featured on this year’s list. Nilekani’s total cumulative contribution over the past five years stands at ₹763 crore. Her philanthropy has focused on strengthening civil society institutions and building sustainable ecosystems for equitable growth.
Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is second on the list, donating ₹83 crore this year and ₹310 crore cumulatively over five years. Through Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP), she supports scientific research, education, and healthcare access. MSP aims to build research ecosystems, foster artistic expression, and promote India’s cultural heritage to drive long-term social impact.
Also Read: India's top donated ₹103,800,000,000 in 2025. Shiv Nadar leads with ₹2,708 crore; here's how much Adani & Ambani donated
At the third position is Bina Shah, Co-founder of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, who donated ₹69 crore. Her foundation works across education, health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.
Anu Aga & family followed with ₹56 crore, primarily focused on education through the Thermax Foundation and initiatives like Teach for India and Akanksha.
Sheela Kochouseph, representing the K Chittilappilly Foundation, ranked fifth with donations worth ₹54 crore. Her family’s philanthropy supports education, skill development, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in rural areas.
Other notable philanthropists on the list include Leena Gandhi Tewari (USV), Kumari Shibulal (Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives), and Archana Chandra (A.T.E. Chandra Foundation), who contributed ₹36 crore, ₹33 crore, and ₹24 crore to areas such as social welfare, education, and water conservation.
Most generous women of India– EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025
Source: Hurun Research Institute; EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025
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