Women have always been considered as the beacon of empathy and maternal affection. So, when it comes to women philanthropists from India who have made a difference during the pandemic and inspired the nation, these names will always stand out.
In welcoming optimism, we celebrate the list of women achievers who not only conquered the workplace but taught the world what it means to be empathetic. We hope their examples shine and keep showering positive inspiration in the times to come.
1. Nita Ambani, Founder, and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation
Probably one of the most popular names in the country for women philanthropists from India, Nita Ambani forms one-half of the Reliance power couple.
Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that her work positively impacts society. Her Foundation’s efforts are targeted at rural development, disaster response, sports development, health, and education.
Last year, she was the only Indian to feature in Town & Country, a magazine that featured global philanthropists of 2020. Her Mission Anna Seva helped feed hundreds of migrant laborers and factory workers. She also donated $72 million to set up India’s first COVID-19 Hospital.
2. Sudha Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation
Known for her simple approach to life, Sudha Murthy has headed Infosys Foundation since 1996. She has dedicated her life as one of India’s most renowned women philanthropists to empowering the underprivileged through education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and public hygiene.
Her Foundation has donated over Rs. 100 crores to pandemic relief efforts. She has also provided meals and rations to the needy and even opened an exclusive hospital for COVID-19 patients in Bengaluru.
3. Malini Saba, Founder, Saba Group Holdings
Self-made entrepreneur Malini Saba is one of the women philanthropists from India who has used her business to serve humanity. Her Anannke Foundation became the umbrella organization for all her charitable efforts.
Under her able leadership, the Foundation provided Rs. 1.9 crores in relief and donated 20,000 kgs of dry white rice to its COVID-19 response, “Save The Children.”
Her organization has also carried out plans to help the underprivileged sustain through the pandemic.
4. Vidya Shah, CEO, EdelGive Foundation
Heading the philanthropic wing for her parent organization, Vidya Shah is one of India’s most prominent women philanthropists. She has led her organization to focus its efforts to help small and mid-size NGOs during the pandemic.
EdelGive worked tirelessly to provide financial and non-financial support to these NGOs and connected them to various donors to ensure that their groundwork is carried out seamlessly.
5. Rohini Nilekani, Founder, Arghyam Foundation
One of the most noted women philanthropists from India, Rohini Nilekani, heads the Arghyam Foundation under her capable leadership. She has donated Rs. 47 crores during the pandemic, and lead the women’s EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List in 2020.
Her Foundation was also a prominent name and contributor to the Rapid Rural Community Response, which is a consortium of 20 CSOs and reached out to over 1.2 million people in the last year.
Each of our listed women philanthropists from India is a beacon of hope for the country’s citizens and inspires community spirit and positivity during the pandemic, creating a better tomorrow.
