By The Indus Zone Media News Desk | November 8, 2025 | Rohini Nilekani Crowned India’s Most Generous Woman Billionaire in 2025
When it comes to philanthropy, one name continues to shine brightly — Rohini Nilekani, the chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and co-founder of EkStep Foundation. According to the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, Rohini Nilekani has been named India’s most generous woman billionaire, with donations worth Rs 204 crore in 2025 and an astounding Rs 763 crore over the past five years.
India’s Leading Woman Philanthropist
In the 12th edition of the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List, Rohini Nilekani has once again demonstrated that wealth, when used wisely, can transform lives. Her philanthropy focuses on education, gender equality, climate resilience, and civil society empowerment — areas that she believes are essential for sustainable social progress.
Her leadership at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers in India’s social sector. Nilekani’s commitment reflects the growing influence of women in India’s philanthropy landscape — not just as donors but as visionaries driving systemic change.
From Literature to Leadership: The Journey of Rohini Nilekani
Born into a middle-class family in Mumbai, Rohini Nilekani graduated in French Literature from Elphinstone College. Before stepping into the world of philanthropy, she worked as a journalist, contributing to magazines like Bombay Magazine and Sunday Magazine.
She is also an accomplished author, with several acclaimed works to her name — including the thriller Stillborn, the social commentary Uncommon Ground, the children’s book The Hungry Little Sky Monster, and Samaj, Sarkar, Bazar, a collection of essays and speeches reflecting over a decade of civic thought leadership.
Philanthropy Rooted in Purpose
Rohini Nilekani’s journey as a philanthropist began in 2001, when she founded Arghyam, a non-profit organization focused on water and sanitation. She personally endowed it with Rs 150 crore, marking one of the earliest large-scale philanthropic contributions by an Indian woman entrepreneur.
Over the years, she and her husband, Nandan Nilekani, co-founder and non-executive chairman of Infosys, have supported numerous causes in education, environment, and mental health.
Among her notable contributions:
Rs 50 crore to ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) for ecological research.
Rs 50 crore to NCAER (National Council of Applied Economic Research) to strengthen India-focused social and economic research.
Rs 100 crore to NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) to advance mental health research and treatment.
In 2013, she also sold ₹164 crore worth of Infosys shares, dedicating the proceeds entirely to philanthropic work — a rare act of generosity among India’s billionaires.
Leading by Example
In a world often criticized for wealth inequality, Rohini Nilekani stands apart. Her consistent efforts to empower communities, fund innovation in education, and promote equitable development embody a model of compassionate capitalism.
The recognition from the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 not only cements her status as India’s most generous woman billionaire but also underscores her long-standing commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Conclusion
Rohini Nilekani’s story is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured by accumulation, but by impact. As India continues to produce billionaires at an unprecedented rate, her vision of shared prosperity and systemic change serves as a guiding light for the next generation of entrepreneurs and philanthropists.
