Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Azim Premji and Nikhil Kamath earned spots among the 100 most influencing people in philanthropy along with a global group of changemakers like Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton and David Beckham.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani recognized through the Reliance Foundation, have done excellent work. In 2024, they donated an estimated $48 million, supporting diverse initiatives like education, women’s empowerment, rural agriculture, healthcare, water conservation, and school infrastructure. Nita Ambani also champions female athletes through foundation programs and co-owns the Mumbai Indians cricket team.
In the case of Azim Premji, India’s first Giving Pledge signatory, has committed over $29 billion in Wipro shares to his Azim Premji Foundation since its inception nearly 25 years ago. Guided by Gandhi’s “wealth is a public trust” philosophy, the foundation disbursed $109 million in grants last year to nearly 940 organizations in education, health, and more, impacting over eight million children and actively influencing India’s national education policy.
The youngest Indian to sign a giving pledge at the age of 27, Nikhil Kamath appears in the “Trailblazers” category. As the Zerodha co-founder, has committed over $100 million to his Rain Matter Foundation for climate solutions. He also founded the Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP), which encourages young, wealthy Indians to donate at least 25% of their wealth. YIPP has already raised $8 million to upgrade 300 schools, reflecting Kamath’s belief that “education is the only democratizing element that can close the inequality gap.”