In an era where wealth accumulation often overshadows acts of giving, Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, continues to set an inspiring example of purposeful philanthropy. According to the latest EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List, Nadar and his family donated a total of ₹2,708 crore over the past year — an astounding figure that translates to nearly ₹7.4 crore every single day.
This marks the fourth time in five years that Shiv Nadar has topped the list of India’s most generous philanthropists, reaffirming his status not just as a business tycoon but as one of the country’s most consistent benefactors in education, healthcare, and social development.
Who Is Shiv Nadar?
Shiv Nadar, born in 1945 in Tamil Nadu, is the founder of HCL Technologies, one of India’s largest IT companies. From humble beginnings, he built HCL into a global tech powerhouse that now employs over 200,000 people across 50 countries.
But beyond his business empire, Nadar has always believed that true success lies in giving back to society. His philanthropic journey began in the 1990s, long before corporate social responsibility became a buzzword. He established the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on transformative education initiatives aimed at empowering individuals from underserved communities.
Over the decades, his contributions have not only supported schools and universities but have also reshaped the conversation around education reform in India.
How Much Did He Donate and Where Did It Go?
According to the 2025 EdelGive Hurun India report, the ₹2,708 crore donated by Nadar and his family in the past year went primarily towards education and skill development. This includes funding for universities, schools, and research institutions under the Shiv Nadar Foundation.
The foundation operates a number of reputed institutions, including:
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Shiv Nadar University (Greater Noida) – a multidisciplinary research university focused on innovation and creativity.
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SSN College of Engineering (Chennai) – one of Tamil Nadu’s top engineering colleges.
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VidyaGyan Schools – residential schools for meritorious rural students, offering free education from grade 6 to 12.
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Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) – one of India’s premier private art museums promoting modern and contemporary Indian art.
Through these initiatives, Nadar’s philanthropy has directly impacted tens of thousands of students and families, providing quality education to those who otherwise might never have had access to it.
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Why Is His Philanthropy So Unique?
What sets Shiv Nadar apart from many wealthy donors is his strategic approach to philanthropy. Rather than offering one-time donations, his model focuses on long-term institution-building — creating educational ecosystems that nurture future leaders and innovators.
For instance, the VidyaGyan initiative identifies top-performing rural students and provides them with world-class education and mentorship, effectively transforming lives at the grassroots level.
In an interview, Nadar once said,
“True philanthropy is not about giving money. It is about enabling people to stand on their own feet.”
His philosophy emphasizes empowerment over charity, ensuring that every rupee donated contributes to lasting social transformation.
Comparison with Other Top Donors
The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 revealed that while several Indian billionaires have stepped up their giving, Shiv Nadar remains far ahead in terms of scale and consistency.
Here’s how he compares:
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Azim Premji (Wipro) – Donated ₹2,200 crore, focusing on education and rural development.
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Mukesh Ambani (Reliance Industries) – Contributed ₹1,200 crore, primarily towards healthcare and disaster relief.
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Kumar Mangalam Birla (Aditya Birla Group) – Donated ₹480 crore to education and welfare programs.
Despite fluctuations in corporate earnings, Nadar’s steady philanthropic investment demonstrates that his commitment to social causes remains unwavering.
Education at the Core
The Shiv Nadar Foundation, established in 1994, has grown into one of India’s most respected non-profit organizations. It continues to expand its footprint, focusing not just on education but also on technology-driven learning, research, and leadership development.
The foundation’s institutions promote values of creativity, critical thinking, and innovation — principles that reflect Nadar’s own career as a tech visionary.
Many of the foundation’s alumni have gone on to pursue higher education at global universities or taken up leadership roles in India’s corporate and social sectors.
Family’s Role in Philanthropy
Nadar’s family, particularly his daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra, has played an active role in continuing the legacy. Roshni, who is now the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, is also deeply involved in the foundation’s educational projects.
Under her leadership, the foundation has diversified its programs to include environmental sustainability, digital learning, and women empowerment.
Roshni has often said that her father’s biggest gift to her was not wealth but the value of giving. This generational continuity ensures that the Nadar family’s philanthropy will remain impactful for decades to come.
India’s Growing Culture of Giving
India has witnessed a notable rise in large-scale philanthropy over the past decade, with many business leaders following the example set by visionaries like Shiv Nadar and Azim Premji.
The total donations recorded in the 2025 Hurun list crossed ₹10,000 crore, reflecting an encouraging trend where more corporate leaders are taking social responsibility seriously.
Experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making companies and individuals more aware of their role in building resilient communities.
Philanthropy Beyond Money
While his contributions are staggering in monetary terms, what truly defines Shiv Nadar’s philanthropy is its visionary impact. His investments are designed to outlast his lifetime, focusing on systemic change rather than short-term relief.
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, founded by his wife, promotes art education and cultural preservation — showcasing how the Nadar family sees development as holistic, blending education, art, and innovation.
This approach has inspired other Indian business families to expand their giving beyond traditional CSR boundaries into areas like technology, environment, and arts.
What’s Next for the Shiv Nadar Foundation
The foundation recently announced plans to expand VidyaGyan schools to new states and invest more heavily in digital education for rural India. It is also exploring global collaborations with universities and research institutes to promote Indian innovation internationally.
Shiv Nadar, now in his late seventies, continues to oversee the foundation’s strategic direction, ensuring that it remains aligned with his original vision of inclusive growth through education.
Conclusion
Shiv Nadar’s philanthropic journey stands as a beacon of what true leadership looks like — not measured by net worth, but by social impact. By donating nearly ₹7.4 crore a day, he has reaffirmed the belief that wealth finds its highest purpose in service to others.
In a world often driven by competition and self-interest, Nadar’s story is a reminder that success gains meaning only when it uplifts others. His example challenges India’s growing billionaire class to think beyond profits — to think about legacy, purpose, and transformation.
