In the last decade, the way India thinks about giving has changed. Philanthropy is no longer just writing cheques to a cause or funding a local project. It’s becoming strategic, planned, and aimed at creating measurable change.
The new generation of philanthropists is looking at the big picture — fixing the root cause, building systems, and leaving a legacy that will last decades. Some of them are household names because of their business success. Others are known more quietly in development circles for the scale of their impact. But all of them share one thing — a willingness to use their wealth and influence for something bigger than themselves.
How philanthropy has shifted in India
For generations, India has had a culture of giving. Earlier, it was largely community-based or religious in nature — temple donations, local welfare, scholarships for neighbourhood children. That still happens, but alongside it there’s a very different style emerging.
The Biggest Philanthropist in India today isn’t just a donor. They are often building institutions, influencing policy, and thinking about how to create results that last beyond their own lifetime.
This shift has come from three main factors. First, the rise of first-generation entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in the last 30 years and are now ready to give back. Second, a more professional, data-driven approach to running philanthropic initiatives. And third, the influence of global models — structured foundations, impact measurement, and public accountability.
Who’s leading the way
Azim Premji – Setting the benchmark
If there’s one name almost everyone associates with Indian philanthropy, it’s Azim Premji. Often recognised as the Biggest Philanthropist in India, his contributions run into billions. His foundation has been working for years to improve education, especially in rural areas. It’s not just about funding schools — it’s about training teachers, improving learning material, and making sure the system works better as a whole.
Shiv Nadar – Education as the cornerstone
The founder of HCL Technologies has also put education at the centre of his giving. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he’s created schools and universities that focus on critical thinking and leadership. His work makes him stand out among the Top Visionary Leaders in India, and it’s not limited to infrastructure — the aim is to prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Anil Agarwal – Turning resources into opportunity
Anil Agarwal of Vedanta is another name that’s reshaping the narrative. His philanthropic work spans healthcare, nutrition for children, and rural skill development. His public commitment to donate 75% of his wealth puts him in the conversation for the Biggest Philanthropist in India, and his approach shows how a corporate leader in natural resources can drive social good.
Ratan Tata – Quiet, steady, and impactful
The Tata Trusts have been around for over a century, but under Ratan Tata’s leadership, they’ve taken on fresh focus in areas like healthcare, water, and livelihoods. He’s not loud about his giving, but the impact speaks for itself, whether it’s cancer treatment facilities or clean drinking water projects.
India’s Leading Philanthropists – 2025 Snapshot
While stories and case studies inspire, hard numbers show the true scale of the change being driven.
Below is an indicative snapshot (based on public disclosures and sector estimates) of the Biggest Philanthropist in India and other top givers.
| Philanthropist | Estimated Giving (FY 2025, ₹ Cr) | Primary Focus Areas | Notable Initiatives in 2025 |
| Azim Premji | 2,400 | Education, Rural Development | Expansion of teacher training to 5 new states |
| Shiv Nadar | 1,200 | Higher Education, Leadership Development | New AI research hub at Shiv Nadar University |
| Anil Agarwal | 900 | Healthcare, Child Nutrition | 9000+ Nand Ghars across India |
| Ratan Tata (Tata Trusts) | 800 | Healthcare, Water Access | National cancer care network in partnership with AIIMS |
| Nandan Nilekani | 400 | Digital Inclusion, Public Infrastructure | Funding open-source platforms for digital education |
From charity to systemic change
What’s striking about these leaders is how they think about giving. It’s not one-off charity — it’s about systems and structures. The Top Visionary Leaders in India see philanthropy as an opportunity to solve problems at scale.
Education initiatives now include teacher training and curriculum reform. Healthcare projects look at prevention as well as treatment. Livelihood programmes link skills directly to market demand. The approach is closer to running a business plan for social change than simply making a donation.
Why transparency matters more than ever
There was a time when no one asked too many questions about how donated money was used. That’s not the case anymore. Today’s philanthropists are publishing detailed reports, tracking progress against targets, and even opening up their data to the public.
Annual impact reports, independent audits, and real-time dashboards are becoming the norm. This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about trust. And trust encourages more people to step in and contribute, whether they’re large donors or smaller supporters.
Where the focus is heading in 2025
Education and healthcare still dominate philanthropic funding, but there’s a noticeable shift to other areas. Climate change is now on the agenda, with reforestation projects, renewable energy adoption, and disaster resilience getting more attention.
Rural livelihoods are also seeing bigger investments, from skill development to sustainable farming. And digital inclusion — making sure rural and low-income communities have access to technology — is emerging as a major theme. The Biggest Philanthropist in India and other top givers are looking at these areas as high-impact, high-need zones.
When business and philanthropy blend
Another noticeable change is how business leaders are bringing their social goals into the heart of their companies. Some of the Top Visionary Leaders in India are ensuring their commercial ventures generate social benefits as part of the business model itself, not just through CSR budgets.
This creates a loop — profits help fund impact work, and the impact strengthens the company’s brand and relationship with communities. It’s a model that’s likely to grow.
The ripple effect
The influence of the Biggest Philanthropist in India isn’t just in the money they give. It’s in the example they set. We’re now seeing younger entrepreneurs starting their giving journeys earlier, and more people from outside the corporate world — artists, sportspersons, professionals — taking up structured philanthropy.
Partnerships between government, business, and NGOs are also becoming more common, allowing for pooled resources and expertise.
Challenges that remain
Not every part of India gets equal attention from philanthropists. Some regions still miss out. And while small pilot projects may work brilliantly, scaling them across a diverse country is tough. There’s also the need for more skilled professionals to run large, complex social programmes — money alone can’t make them work.
Closing thoughts
India is at a turning point in its philanthropic story. Wealth is growing, and so is the sense of responsibility. The Biggest Philanthropist in India is no longer just a name on a donor list — they’re a driver of real, measurable change.
As the Top Visionary Leaders in India continue to tie their success to the progress of the country, the impact could be transformational. If this momentum holds, the next decade could see India not only as a hub for business innovation but as a global leader in how generosity is done.