Top 10 most generous billionaires of India: Billionaires are often known for their luxurious lifestyle, opulent possessions, and extravagance, which only a few could relate to. However, these billionaires also belong to the 99% club, those who have pledged 99% of their wealth to be donated to charities after their passing, such as the likes of Warren Buffett.
Owner of conglomerates and genius industry moguls, these billionaires of India also have another thing in common, apart from their wealth. As per a recent Hurun Report, several Indians made it to the Philanthropy List 2025. While the top 6 spots remained unchanged, the Hinduja Family, Cyrus Poonawalla, and Sudhir Mehta climbed at least 3 spots.
Top 10 most generous Indian billionaires
Shiv Nadar
Starting with HCL Technologies’ Shiv Nadar and family, the Hurun report found that their annual donation amounted to more than Rs 2700 crore. The Nadars were reportedly donating Rs 7.4 crores a day, primarily for the cause of education. Securing the top spot, his contributions increased by 26% as compared to FY24.
Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani, the 68-year-old mega mind behind the success of Reliance Industries, took the second spot. With a notable annual philanthropic contribution of Rs 626 crore, the founder focused largely on rural transformation, healthcare, education, sports development, disaster management, women empowerment, arts and culture, heritage conservation, and urban renewal.
Bajaj Family
Reflecting a notable 27% increase from previous records, the Bajaj Family contributed more than 440 crores annually to the healthcare sector. Further, to honour the philanthropic legacies of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj and Shri Kamalnayan Bajaj, they established the Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust and the Kamalnayan Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (KBJF).
Kumar Mangalam Birla
The 58-year-old billionaire donated Rs 440 crore, with over 20% of the amount coming from personal funds. The Birla family’s philanthropic efforts are centred towards education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and sports. The foundation donated more than a crore a day towards the cause.
Gautam Adani
Representing the Adani Group, their Rs 386 crore philanthropic contribution put them on the fifth rank. With a 17% increase from the previous year, Adani’s charitable efforts has them directed primarily directed towards education, followed by efforts in skill development and community health programs.
Nandan Nilekani
Standing firm in the sixth spot, Nilekani Philanthropies and Infosys co-founder is the first Nilekani on the list. With a 19% growth, he alone donated Rs 365 crore, alone. The strong commitment to the cause aims at making meaningful societal change and has been in the industry for over three decades.
Hinduja Family
One of the major entrants on the list, the Hinduja Family re-entered the top 10 spots after a donation of Rs 298 crore. The family’s philanthropic arm, focuses on areas included education, healthcare, rural development, water conservation, and skill development. It expresses the group’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods, empowerment, and heritage preservation.
Rohini Nilekani
Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co-founder and Director of EkStep, a non-profit education platform, Rohini is the only female among the top 10 most generous Indians on the Hurun list. Ranked eighth, she signed the Giving Pledge wherein the Nilekanis committed to donate half of their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Sudhir and Samir Mehta
The Mehta family has entered the top 10 Philanthropy List 2025, ranking ninth with donations amounting to Rs 189 crore. Their charitable work, led through the UNM Foundation, focuses on key areas like healthcare, education, rural development, and community welfare. The foundation actively supports hospital infrastructure, scholarships, skill training centres, and sanitation initiatives, showcasing the family’s dedication to driving inclusive and sustainable growth across India.
Cyrus S Poonawalla and Adar Poonawalla
The billionaires have also made their way back into the top ten of the list with contributions worth Rs 173 crore. Their philanthropy goes beyond writing cheques , it involves long-term investment in education, healthcare, and social infrastructure. Through their foundation linked to the Serum Institute of India, the Poonawallas have supported the construction of English-medium schools in smaller cities, rehabilitation facilities for those affected by leprosy, and clean drinking water projects. Their continued efforts reflect a strong belief in improving lives through accessible healthcare and education.
