Rohini Nilekani has emerged as India’s most generous woman in the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, leading a distinguished group of 24 women philanthropists shaping the country’s social impact landscape. With a personal contribution of INR 204 crore, Nilekani tops the women’s rankings, reaffirming her long-standing commitment to systemic change.
At 66, Rohini Nilekani serves as Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and is the Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a non-profit platform focused on education and governance innovation. Her philanthropic work spans education, climate resilience, gender equity, justice, governance reforms, and the strengthening of civil society institutions. Her giving reflects a clear focus on building long-term public systems rather than short-term interventions.
Ranked second is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, 72, with donations of INR 83 crore. Founder and Chairperson of Biocon, Mazumdar-Shaw has directed her philanthropy toward science, healthcare, and education. Through Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy, she supports research ecosystems, medical innovation, and institutions in India and abroad, while also nurturing arts, culture, and community engagement.
The third position is held by Bina Shah, 66, who donated INR 69 crore. As Co-founder of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, she has played a key role in advancing philanthropy across education, healthcare, livelihoods, gender equity, arts, and environmental sustainability. Under her leadership, the foundation has aligned its giving with long-term social outcomes rooted in the family’s business legacy.
Anu Aga, 83, along with her family, ranks fourth with contributions of INR 56 crore. Through the Thermax Foundation, Aga has focused primarily on education, particularly for underserved communities. She remains deeply involved with Akanksha Foundation schools in Mumbai and Pune and serves as Chair of Teach For India, working to address structural inequities in education.
Rounding out the top five is Sheela Kochouseph, 71, with family donations of INR 54 crore. Her philanthropic work through the K Chittilappilly Foundation supports healthcare, education, skill development, women’s empowerment, and community welfare, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive development.
The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 underscores the growing influence of women-led philanthropy in India. These leaders are not only contributing financially but are shaping institutions, policies, and ecosystems that drive lasting social change.
Note: For husband-wife philanthropic contributions, donations are calculated on a 50–50 basis as per Hurun Research Institute methodology.
