In FY23, 119 kind people donated ₹5 crore each, totaling ₹8,445 crore. This was a 59% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 200% surge in three years. The surge in numbers is attributed to India’s ongoing wealth creation narrative, driven by inter-generational wealth creators, young startups, professional managers, and venture capitalists.
The philanthropic spirit in India has seen a significant shift, with the number of generous benefactors donating over ₹100 crores soaring from just 2 individuals in 2018 to an impressive 14 in 2023. This speaks volumes about the growing commitment to philanthropy among the Indian elite.
Remarkably, the pharmaceutical sector has emerged as the frontrunner in the philanthropic arena, constituting 17% of the total philanthropists. It is closely followed by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals sector at 11%, showcasing the diverse sectors embraced by these compassionate contributors.
Intriguing insights from the report reveal that the average age of these benevolent figures stands at a dignified 68 years. Geographically, the philanthropic epicenter predominantly resides in Mumbai, encompassing 33% of the philanthropic community. New Delhi follows at 16%, and Bengaluru at 11%. These stats have been revealed in EdelGive Hurun India list 2023.
List of top 10 Philanthropists in India for 2023
1. Shiv Nadar and family
78-year-old Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL, along with his family, secured the accolade of being ‘India’s most generous’ for the third time in five years. Their annual donation of ₹2,042 crore, as per the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List, reflects a commitment to various causes, primarily focused on arts, culture, and heritage. Notably, Nadar’s contributions amount to an impressive ₹5.6 crore per day.
2. Azim Premji and family
Azim Premji, the 78-year-old founder of Wipro, secured the second position by contributing a substantial amount of over ₹1,770 crore in a year. This noteworthy donation reflects a remarkable threefold increase compared to the preceding year.
3. Mukesh Ambani and family
Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries and India’s wealthiest individual, secures the third position on the list, having made an annual donation of ₹376 crore. The Ambani family directed a significant portion of their contributions towards the healthcare sector.
4. Kumar Mangalam Birla and family
Securing the fourth position on the philanthropy charts, Kumar Mangalam Birla and his family made an impactful annual donation of ₹287 crore, with a noteworthy ₹75 crore stemming from their personal funds. Birla’s significant contributions were primarily directed towards the noble cause of education.
5. Gautam Adani and family
Securing the fifth position is Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, who made a notable philanthropic impact by contributing ₹285 crore, representing a remarkable 50% increase compared to the preceding year donated for education sector.
6. Bajaj family
The Bajaj family has secured a position among India’s top 10 philanthropists, making a significant impact in the education sector with an annual donation exceeding ₹264 crore. Their generous contributions have elevated them to the 6th spot on the prestigious list.
7. Anil Agarwal and family
Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta, and his family secured the seventh position on the list, witnessing a substantial increase of almost 50% in their contributions. They generously donated more than ₹241 crore to the healthcare sector.
8. Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani, aged 68, have consistently demonstrated her unwavering dedication to philanthropy, making annual contributions of INR 189 crore respectively, particularly in the ecosystem building sector.
9. Cyrus Poonawalla and Adar Poonawalla
Cyrus Poonawalla and his son Adar Poonawalla, the dynamic duo steering the vaccine giant Serum Institute, reclaimed their position among ‘India’s most generous’ by contributing an annual donation of ₹179 crore to the healthcare sector.
10. Rohini Nilekani
Renowned Indian author and Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, Rohini Nilekani, has secured a position among the top 10 contributors with a yearly donation of ₹170 crore. Notably, she stands as the leading female philanthropist in the Ecosystem Building sector on the list.
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