Rohini Nilekani Named India's Most Generous Woman Philanthropist

By: WE Staff | Friday, 7 November 2025

• Rohini Nilekani was named India’s top woman philanthropist in 2025 
• Everything she has donated money to is for education, climate action, governance and gender equity 
• Nilekani is still supporting work to improve social innovation and systemic change in India 

The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 states that Rohini Nilekani is the most philanthropic female philanthropist in India after contributing ₹204 crore in the past year from her philanthropic work in social innovation for education, climate actions, governance and gender equity.  

As the Chairperson of the Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and co-founder of the EkStep Foundation, Yolinesi contributed a total of ₹763 crore over nine years. Her giving focuses on strengthening civil society institutions and building sustainable and equitable ecosystems.  

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, took the second position with a donation of ₹83 crore in 2023 and ₹310 crore cumulatively over five years.  

Through her giving foundation, Mazumdar Shaw Philanthropy (MSP), she is focused on using her giving to deliver scientific research, access to education and healthcare and the preservation of culture. 

Bina Shah, Co-founder of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation, is ranked third on this year's list with a pledge of ₹69 crore. Her foundation supports interventions in education, health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. 

Anu Aga and family take the fourth spot in the ranking with ₹56 crore donated mainly to support education causes through the Thermax Foundation, but they are also affiliated with Teach for India and Akanksha too. 

Sheela Kochouseph of the K Chittilappilly Foundation clenches the fifth position with ₹54 crore donated towards causes such as education, skill development, healthcare, and women's empowerment in rural areas. 

Other philanthropic women who ranked in this report include: Leena Gandhi Tewari (USV) - ₹36 crore; Kumari Shibulal (Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives) - ₹33 crore; Archana Chandra (A.T.E. Chandra Foundations) - ₹24 crore. Their causes bridged social welfare and education to water conservation. 

In all, there were 24 women listed in this year’s report - indicative of the progress made in respect to women leaders taking an active role in Si's philanthropy, and helping to contribute to the growing trend where female foundations are on the increase within philanthropic giving.