India’s most generous women gave over ₹600 cr in 2025; Rohini Nilekani tops the list with ₹204 cr

Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and Co-founder of EkStep Foundation, has been named India’s most generous woman philanthropist in the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025.

Nilekani, 66, contributed ₹204 crore over the past year, reaffirming her leadership in driving social innovation and systemic change across education, climate action, governance, and gender equity.

According to the Hurun Research Institute, 24 women philanthropists featured on this year’s list. Nilekani’s total cumulative contribution over the past five years stands at ₹763 crore. Her philanthropy has focused on strengthening civil society institutions and building sustainable ecosystems for equitable growth.


Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is second on the list, donating ₹83 crore this year and ₹310 crore cumulatively over five years. Through Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP), she supports scientific research, education, and healthcare access. MSP aims to build research ecosystems, foster artistic expression, and promote India’s cultural heritage to drive long-term social impact.

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At the third position is Bina Shah, Co-founder of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, who donated ₹69 crore. Her foundation works across education, health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.

Anu Aga & family followed with ₹56 crore, primarily focused on education through the Thermax Foundation and initiatives like Teach for India and Akanksha.

Sheela Kochouseph, representing the K Chittilappilly Foundation, ranked fifth with donations worth ₹54 crore. Her family’s philanthropy supports education, skill development, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in rural areas.

Other notable philanthropists on the list include Leena Gandhi Tewari (USV), Kumari Shibulal (Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives), and Archana Chandra (A.T.E. Chandra Foundation), who contributed ₹36 crore, ₹33 crore, and ₹24 crore to areas such as social welfare, education, and water conservation.

Most generous women of India– EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025

Rank	Name	Donation (INR Cr)	5-Year Cumulative Donation (INR Cr)	Age	Primary Cause	Company/Foundation
1	Rohini Nilekani	204	763	66	Ecosystem Building	Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies
2	Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw	83	310	72	Research & Development	Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy
3	Bina Shah	69*	135*	66	Education	Harish & Bina Shah Foundation
4	Anu Aga & family	56	203	83	Education	Thermax Foundation
5	Sheela Kochouseph	54*	181*	71	Rural Development	K Chittilappilly Foundation
6	Leena Gandhi Tewari	36	138	68	Social Development	USV
7	Kumari Shibulal	33	215	70	Education	Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives
8	Archana Chandra	24*	78*	54	Water Conservation	A.T.E. Chandra Foundation
9	Ina Ashwin Dani & family	21	141	83	Skill Development	Dani Foundation
10	Shabana Faizal	20*	34*	53	Education	Faizal Shabana Foundation

Source: Hurun Research Institute; EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025