Key Points:
- TIME Magazine releases its first-ever list of 100 most influential people in philanthropy for 2025.
- Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Azim Premji, and Nikhil Kamath represent India on the global stage.
- Ambanis donated ₹407 crore ($48 million) in 2024, supporting education, women’s empowerment, and rural development.
- Azim Premji recognized for his historic $29 billion donation and efforts to reform public education.
- Nikhil Kamath becomes youngest Indian ‘Giving Pledge’ signatory at age 36.
- Global icons like Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet, Melinda Gates, David Beckham, and Prince William also featured.
New Delhi: TIME Magazine has unveiled its inaugural list of the 100 most influential people in philanthropy for 2025, with Indian business leaders Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Azim Premji, and Nikhil Kamath earning prestigious spots among global changemakers. The list recognizes individuals whose charitable initiatives are making a significant impact on communities worldwide.
Ambanis Applauded for Transformative Social Initiatives
TIME Magazine lauded Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and Nita Ambani, founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, for their far-reaching philanthropic work. In 2024 alone, the Ambani couple donated ₹407 crore (approximately $48 million), ranking them among the top donors in India and globally.
Their Reliance Foundation has funded scholarships for thousands of students, empowered women through skill development, and supported rural communities with agricultural initiatives. The foundation has also contributed to water conservation projects, built hospitals, aided the visually impaired, and improved school infrastructure across India.
Azim Premji: India’s Most Generous Philanthropist
Former Wipro chairman Azim Premji is celebrated as India’s most philanthropic individual. TIME highlighted Premji’s lifelong commitment to improving India’s public education system and his role as the first Indian to sign the ‘Giving Pledge’—a global campaign encouraging billionaires to commit at least half their wealth to charity.
Premji’s landmark act of generosity came in 2013, when he donated over $29 billion worth of Wipro shares to his foundation, making it one of the largest charitable contributions in history. His foundation continues to drive systemic change in education and social development.
Nikhil Kamath: Youngest Indian ‘Giving Pledge’ Signatory
Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath made headlines as the youngest Indian to join the ‘Giving Pledge’ in 2023 at age 36. Kamath’s philanthropic focus includes education, healthcare, and financial literacy, marking him as a rising force in India’s social sector.
Global Icons Join Indian Philanthropists
The TIME 100 philanthropy list also features international luminaries such as football legend David Beckham, business tycoon Michael Bloomberg, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, investment guru Warren Buffet, philanthropist Melinda Gates, and British royals Prince William and Princess Catherine, as well as Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of Indian philanthropists in TIME’s prestigious list highlights the growing influence of Indian social initiatives on the global stage. Their work not only uplifts millions within India but also sets a benchmark for impactful giving worldwide.
