Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025: Rohini Nilekani named India’s most generous woman with ₹204 crore donation

Rohini Nilekani, India’s leading philanthropist and author, has proven once again that wealth, when channeled purposefully, can be a force for change. Rohini Nilekani Philanthropy Chairperson and Director of EkStep topped EdelGive Hurun India’s Philanthropy List 2025, and was named the country’s most generous woman this year.

Hurun India, in partnership with EdelGive Foundation, has released the 12th annual list highlighting the individuals who give most to charity in India and how the country’s richest are giving back to society.

This year, Nilekani donated Rs 204 crore to support causes focusing on social innovation and systemic transformation. Over the past five years, her cumulative donations have reached Rs 763 crore, placing her among the most influential philanthropists in India. Known for her belief in inclusive growth, Nilekani has directed her philanthropy towards issues such as gender equality, education, climate resilience, justice, governance, and strengthening civil society, areas she considers essential for lasting progress.

But her story began far from the world of billionaires. Born into a middle-class family in Mumbai, Rohini Nilekani graduated in French Literature from Elphinstone College before starting her career as a journalist. She worked for publications such as Bombay Magazine and the now-defunct Sunday Magazine, where she established a reputation as a thoughtful and socially conscious writer. Her creative side blossomed through her books as well. Her first novel Born deada widely acclaimed medical thriller, followed Unfamiliar landIt is a realistic work inspired by her experience as a broadcaster. She also wrote a children’s book Hungry little sky monster and Samaj, Sarkar, Bazaara collection of essays, interviews, and speeches reflecting on society over more than a decade.

According to Forbes, Nilekani’s philanthropic journey officially began in 2001 when she founded Arghyam, an organization dedicated to water and sanitation, with a personal endowment of Rs 150 crore. Over time, its efforts have expanded to address a wide range of development and governance challenges in India. Along with her husband Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder and Non-Executive Chairman of Infosys, she has supported numerous organizations and initiatives.

The couple donated Rs 50 crore to the Ashoka Research Trust in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) to promote environmental and development research, and another Rs 50 crore to the National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in 2013 to set up a new India center in New Delhi.

During the same period, Rohini Nilekani divested 5.77 million shares of Infosys worth Rs 164 crore, directing the entire proceeds towards philanthropy. Following this, she and Nandan Nilekani donated Rs 100 crore to NIMHANS in Bengaluru to “support and accelerate research and treatment in five key areas of mental health,” The Indian Express reported.