Shiv Nadar becomes the most generous Indian again: Report

Most generous Indians: Shiv Nadar, the founder of IT major HCL Technologies, has retained his position as the "most generous Indian" for the second consecutive year in 2023. According to the Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023, Nadar's donations surged by 76 per cent to reach Rs 2,042 crore. This marked a significant increase in his philanthropic contributions.

Azim Premji, the Chairman of Wipro, also made a substantial impact on the philanthropy scene, with his donations increasing by a remarkable 267 per cent to Rs 1,774 crore in the same year.

Mukesh Ambani, the richest Indian and Chairman of Reliance Industries contributed Rs 376 crore in philanthropic efforts during the year, despite witnessing an 8 per cent decline. Ambani continued to be the third most generous individual on the list.

Gautam Adani, the second richest Indian and Chairman of the Adani Group, made a substantial leap on the list, becoming the fifth most generous Indian. His donations saw a 50 per cent rise, reaching Rs 285 crore.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, maintained his position as the fourth most generous Indian, with donations totalling Rs 287 crore.

Several new entrants made significant contributions to philanthropy and entered the list of top givers, including the Bajaj family, Cyrus S Poonawalla Adar Poonawalla, and Rohini Nilekani.

Nilekani, the most generous woman on the list, was recognised for her substantial contributions to charitable causes, and she was joined by other notable philanthropists, including Anu Aga of Thermax and Leena Gandhi Tewari.

The list also featured Nikhil Kamath, the 37-year-old co-founder of discount brokerage firm Zerodha, as the youngest philanthropist. The Kamath brothers' combined donations were pegged at Rs 110 crore.

Among professionals, L&T's AM Naik emerged as the leading philanthropist, with a donation of Rs 150 crore, earning him 11th place in the overall list of givers.

The Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2023 recognised a total of 119 individuals and families who made significant philanthropic contributions. Four individuals donated Rs 100 crore or more, highlighting the growing prominence of philanthropy in India as wealth expands. The list serves as a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the charitable endeavours of individuals and families, ensuring their impact reaches various segments of society.

(With PTI inputs)