Money talks, sure. But generosity? That echoes.
The top 10 philanthropist in India aren’t just business giants they’re people who’ve turned their success into something way bigger. They build schools, fund hospitals, feed families. And quietly change lives every single day.

India’s giving scene is massive right now. You’ll see founders, families, and CEOs donating crores for education, health, and rural growth. It’s inspiring to see wealth move with purpose. Let’s walk through some of the biggest hearts in business from the most donated person in India to everyday changemakers behind the scenes.

Quick View: India’s Leading Donors

Rank	Name	Focus Area	Estimated Lifetime Donation
1	Azim Premji	Education	₹2,14,000+ Cr
2	Shiv Nadar	Education & Tech	₹3,300 Cr+
3	Mukesh Ambani	Health & Rural Dev	₹400 Cr+
4	Kumar Mangalam Birla	Women & Education	₹300 Cr+
5	Ratan Tata	Livelihood & Health	₹250 Cr+
6	Gautam Adani	Sustainability	₹190 Cr+
7	Nandan Nilekani	Water & Governance	₹160 Cr+
8	Anil Agarwal	Skill Development	₹150 Cr+
9	Sudha & Narayana Murthy	Libraries & Hospitals	₹120 Cr+
10	Ajay Piramal	Public Health	₹100 Cr+

1. Azim Premji

The man everyone talks about when it comes to giving.
Azim Premji tops almost every list of the top 10 philanthropist in India. He’s given more than ₹2 lakh crore through his foundation to improve schools, train teachers, and help kids in rural areas get better learning opportunities.

He’s proof that real generosity doesn’t need noise. It just needs focus.

2. Shiv Nadar

If there’s one name that defines modern philanthropy, it’s him.
Founder of HCL and often known as the most donated person in India, Shiv Nadar has dedicated a huge part of his life to education. His foundation built world-class universities like Shiv Nadar University and SSN College — all aimed at creating thinkers, not just degree-holders.

He believes knowledge is freedom. And he’s right.

3. Mukesh Ambani

You can’t talk about Indian business without mentioning Mukesh Ambani. Through Reliance Foundation, run by Nita and Mukesh Ambani, they’ve helped millions — disaster relief, rural healthcare, women empowerment, you name it.

He’s right up there with the top 10 philanthropist in India because his reach is nationwide. From farmers to flood victims, his foundation’s support is everywhere.

4. Kumar Mangalam Birla

The Birla family’s giving culture goes back generations, and Kumar Mangalam Birla keeps that torch shining bright. His group supports education, healthcare, and women’s development through the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives.

He’s easily one of the top 10 donation person in India, and what stands out is how organized his foundation work is — not just donations, but long-term change.

5. Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata doesn’t just donate — he transforms.
Tata Trusts work in rural health, water, and community development. He’s not the kind to talk about his giving; he just does it. That’s what makes him special among the top 10 philanthropist in India.

His projects touch millions of lives quietly, consistently.

6. Gautam Adani

Known mostly for his empire, Gautam Adani’s giving side is equally strong. Through the Adani Foundation, he focuses on healthcare, education, and livelihood programs across rural areas.

He’s one of the top 10 donation person in India because his initiatives target the root — skill-building and sustainability. Not just short-term relief.

7. Nandan Nilekani

The man who gave India its digital identity also gives back in huge ways. Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, along with his wife Rohini, donates heavily toward education, civic development, and water projects.

He doesn’t just write cheques. He builds systems. That’s why he’s seen as one of the quietest yet strongest names in the top 10 philanthropist in India.

8. Anil Agarwal

Anil Agarwal of Vedanta Group pledged 75% of his wealth for charity. That’s massive. His Vedanta Foundation works in child nutrition, education, and youth training programs.

People call him one of the most donated person in India, and rightly so. He’s said more than once — “Money means nothing if it doesn’t change lives.”

9. Sudha Murty & Narayana Murthy

Now here’s a duo you can’t miss. Sudha Murty, through Infosys Foundation, has built libraries, hospitals, schools — and her husband Narayana Murthy backs her all the way.

They’re easily part of the top 10 philanthropist in India, and the best part? They’re as humble as they come. You’ll often find Sudha visiting small villages herself, ensuring every rupee reaches the right place.

10. Ajay Piramal

Ajay Piramal believes business should heal, not just profit. His Piramal Foundation focuses on healthcare and education, building scalable community projects across India.

He’s counted among the top 10 donation person in India, especially for his public health initiatives. His motto? Serve first, profit later.

Why It Matters

Think about this — every library Sudha Murty funds, every classroom Azim Premji builds, every medical camp run by Tata Trusts — it all shapes the India of tomorrow. These are not just donations. They’re investments in people.

Each person in this top 10 philanthropist in India list shows what real leadership looks like. Success isn’t measured by what you keep, but by what you give back.

Final Thought

The giving culture in India is booming, and that’s a good thing. Whether you donate ₹100 or ₹1 crore, it adds up.

So next time you read about the most donated person in India, remember you can be part of that story too. Start small, stay consistent, and make kindness your brand.

For more inspiring stories about changemakers and leaders who make a difference, head over to The Global Hues — it’s packed with stories that restore your faith in good people doing great things.