Who is Rohini Nilekani? From Journalist to India’s Most Generous Woman

Indian writer and former journalist Rohini Nilekani has been named India’s most generous woman, donating Rs 204 crore in the past year. She ranked eighth on the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025, highlighting her significant contributions to social causes.

Topping the list for the fourth time in five years is Shiv Nadar and his family, founders of HCL Technologies, with donations of Rs 2,708 crore. Following them are the Ambani family, who contributed Rs 626 crore through the Reliance Foundation, supporting initiatives in education, rural development, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and heritage conservation.

Rohini’s husband, Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, ranked sixth with donations of Rs 365 crore.

Top 10 Most Generous Individuals and Families

1. Shiv Nadar & family – Rs 2,708 crore
2. Mukesh Ambani & family – Rs 626 crore
3. Bajaj family – Rs 446 crore
4. Kumar Mangalam Birla & family – Rs 440 crore
5. Gautam Adani & family – Rs 386 crore
6. Nandan Nilekani – Rs 365 crore
7. Hinduja family – Rs 298 crore
8. Rohini Nilekani – Rs 204 crore
9. Sudhir & Samir Mehta – Rs 189 crore
10. Cyrus & Adar Poonawalla – Rs 173 crore

Who is Rohini Nilekani?

Born in 1960, Rohini Nilekani holds a degree in French literature from Elphinstone College, Mumbai. She began her career as a reporter for Bombay Magazine and later worked for Sunday magazine in Bengaluru. In 1981, she married Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Rohini Nilekani has built a remarkable legacy in philanthropy:

• Arghyam Foundation (2001): Works on water and sanitation projects across India.
• Pratham Books: Co-founded the nonprofit children’s publisher to make quality books affordable and accessible.
• EkStep: Co-founder and director of this education platform aimed at improving early learning outcomes.
• Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies: Supports education, governance, justice, gender equity, climate change, environment, and independent media.

Authorship and Media Work

Rohini has authored several books, including the medical thriller Stillborn and the non-fiction work Uncommon Ground. Her experience as a journalist informs her philanthropic approach, combining research, dialogue, and action.

She has repeatedly been recognized among India’s most generous women philanthropists. In 2017, she and her husband signed the Giving Pledge, committing to donate more than half their wealth to philanthropic causes.

Why Her Work Matters

In a country facing challenges in water access, sanitation, literacy, and equitable education, Rohini Nilekani’s focused initiatives provide both scale and model:

• Arghyam Foundation: Promotes safe and sustainable water and sanitation practices across India.
• Pratham Books: Strengthens early reading and learning, laying the foundation for future education.
• High-risk philanthropic approach: Supports innovative solutions rather than only safe, conventional projects.