In a significant nod to India's growing influence in global philanthropy, TIME magazine has released its inaugural TIME100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025 list, spotlighting donors and nonprofit leaders transforming communities through bold giving and unwavering commitment. Among the honorees are Indian business icons Mukesh and Nita Ambani, tech magnate Azim Premji, and investment entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, who join global heavyweights like Warren Buffett, Melinda French Gates, David Beckham, and the British royals Prince William and Princess Catherine.
TIME’s newly launched philanthropy list tells powerful stories of impact—of how individuals with vast fortunes are channeling their resources to uplift underserved communities. The featured philanthropists are not only giving generously but are also shaping long-term solutions in areas such as education, health, climate change, and social equity.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani: Empowering Millions Through the Reliance Foundation
Billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, have been named among India’s most influential philanthropists for 2025. In 2024 alone, the couple donated ₹407 crore (approximately USD 48 million), placing them among the country’s top givers.
Key Areas of Philanthropic Focus:
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Education
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Healthcare
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Disaster response and relief
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Sports development
The Ambanis’ charitable efforts reflect the vast scale of their Reliance empire, estimated at a fortune of USD 110 billion. TIME highlighted that their initiatives are “as varied and wide-ranging” as their business portfolio.
Nita Ambani’s Leadership:
As the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani leads many of these impactful programs. Her vision has helped bring sustainable and measurable change to millions across India, positioning the Foundation as a leading force in Indian philanthropy.
Azim Premji: Transforming Public Education in India
Once known primarily as the chairman of Wipro, Azim Premji is today better recognized as one of India’s most respected philanthropists. TIME praised Premji’s enduring commitment to public education and grassroots development.
Lifetime Contributions:
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Signed the Giving Pledge, committing to give away most of his wealth.
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In 2013, donated over USD 29 billion in Wipro shares to his Azim Premji Foundation.
Ongoing Impact:
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Operates through 59 field offices and 263 teacher learning centres across India.
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Supports over 8 million children through educational programs.
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In 2023–24, awarded USD 109 million in grants to 940 organizations.
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In August 2024, committed another USD 175 million to expand school meal programs for over 5 million children.
Premji’s philanthropic approach is deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of trusteeship—viewing wealth as a resource to be held in trust for the public good.
Nikhil Kamath: India's Youngest Giving Pledge Signatory
Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, is a new-generation philanthropist rewriting the norms of giving in India. At age 36, Kamath became the youngest Indian to sign the Giving Pledge in 2023.
A Remarkable Journey:
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Dropped out of high school and began working at a Bangalore call center as a teenager.
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Co-founded Zerodha in 2010 with brother Nithin Kamath, creating one of India’s most successful discount brokerage firms.
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Became a billionaire within 13 years.
Key Philanthropic Initiatives:
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Rainmatter Foundation: Kamath brothers have committed over USD 100 million to fund climate change solutions.
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Young India Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP): Launched to encourage wealthy Indians under 45 to donate at least 25% of their wealth.
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YIPP has already raised USD 8 million.
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Supports initiatives such as upgrading 300 schools with digital tools, career counseling, and support services.
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Kamath believes that education is the only true equalizer, capable of bridging the inequality gap in Indian society. TIME notes that while he continues to invest, his primary focus now is on systemic philanthropy.
A Global Honour: Indian Philanthropists Among the World's Best
India’s inclusion in the TIME100 Philanthropy list not only signifies national pride but also reflects the growing global leadership of Indian donors in addressing systemic issues.
Other Global Philanthropy Leaders Featured:
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David Beckham – for his work with UNICEF and children’s welfare.
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Warren Buffett – legendary investor and co-founder of the Giving Pledge.
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Melinda French Gates – advocate for gender equity and global health.
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Prince William and Princess Catherine – active in mental health, early childhood development, and community wellbeing.
The TIME100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025 list is a powerful reminder that true influence lies not just in wealth, but in how that wealth is used to build a more equitable and compassionate world. Indian philanthropists like Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Azim Premji, and Nikhil Kamath are setting new benchmarks in impact-driven giving. Their stories inspire not just generosity, but also a strategic, visionary approach to solving India’s—and the world’s—most pressing problems.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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