In a country where wealth creation and philanthropy are often in the spotlight, one name stands out as the most generous of them all: Shiv Nadar. With a net worth exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore, Nadar, the founder and former chairman of HCL Technologies, is not just a business mogul but also a philanthropist whose contributions are leaving a significant impact on India’s education sector and beyond.
According to the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, Nadar emerged as the country’s most generous philanthropist in FY24, donating an astounding Rs 2,153 crore. This means he contributed nearly Rs 6 crore every single day of the financial year.
A Look at India’s Top Philanthropists
The EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024 highlights the generosity of Indian billionaires, with a record total donation of Rs 8,783 crore for FY2024, marking a 4% increase from last year. This marks a striking 55% increase from the previous year (FY2022), reflecting a growing trend of giving among India’s wealthiest individuals.
Where the Money Goes
The majority of the donations were directed toward education, with Rs 3,680 crore allocated for this cause. Healthcare also saw significant contributions, amounting to Rs 626 crore. The number of philanthropists donating over Rs 100 crore has surged from just two in 2018 to 18 in 2024, reflecting a broader commitment among the wealthy to address societal issues.
Shiv Nadar’s Record-Breaking Contributions
Shiv Nadar’s contribution to philanthropy is unparalleled. In FY24, he donated a jaw-dropping Rs 2,153 crore, making up nearly a quarter of the total donations by the top 10 philanthropists in India. His philanthropic focus has predominantly been on education—a cause he holds close to his heart.
Nadar’s commitment to education began in 1996 when he established the SSN College of Engineering in Chennai, named after his father, Sivasubramaniya Nadar. He has continued to make substantial contributions to educational institutions, including the creation of Vidyagyan, a network of schools aimed at providing free education to rural children from underserved communities.
His focus on education also extends to his role in supporting institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). In 2011, Nadar donated Rs 80 lakh to his former school and has been actively involved in numerous educational initiatives throughout his career.
The HCL Legacy
Shiv Nadar founded HCL Technologies in 1976 from a small garage along with five co-founders. Today, HCL has grown into a global IT giant, with $13.4 billion (over Rs 1 lakh crore) in revenue. Nadar stepped down from his role as chairman in 2020, passing the leadership baton to his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra.
However, despite stepping down from active leadership, Nadar’s philanthropic ventures have continued to flourish, particularly through the Shiv Nadar Foundation. The Foundation has consistently been at the forefront of his charitable endeavors, focusing on education, rural development, and more.
Other Noteworthy Donors in FY24
While Nadar’s contributions are unmatched, other notable philanthropists have also made significant donations in FY24. Here are some of the top contributors:
- Mukesh Ambani & Family: Rs 407 crore through the Reliance Foundation
- Bajaj Family: Rs 352 crore
- Kumar Mangalam Birla & Family: Rs 334 crore
- Gautam Adani & Family: Rs 330 crore
- Nandan Nilekani: Rs 307 crore
- Krishna Chivukula: Rs 228 crore to IIT Madras
- Anil Agarwal & Family: Rs 128 crore
- Susmita & Subroto Bagchi: Rs 179 crore
- Rohini Nilekani: Rs 154 crore
The Growing Trend of Indian Philanthropy
India’s philanthropic landscape is evolving rapidly. In FY2024, the total donations by Indian philanthropists increased significantly, showing that a growing number of the country’s wealthiest individuals are embracing social responsibility. The 96 new entrants to the EdelGive-Hurun India Philanthropy List in 2024 collectively donated Rs 1,556 crore, signaling a wider commitment to charitable causes.
Moreover, individuals like Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, are showing that philanthropy is not just for the older generation. At 38, Kamath is the youngest philanthropist on the list, donating Rs 120 crore.
Shiv Nadar’s extraordinary philanthropic efforts remind us of the power of wealth when it is used for the greater good. His contributions to education have touched the lives of thousands of students, and his efforts will continue to shape India’s future for years to come. As the number of generous philanthropists in India rises, it is clear that the country’s wealthiest individuals are increasingly aware of their responsibility to give back to society.
Through their combined efforts, they are helping to create a better, more equitable future for millions of Indians, one donation at a time.
