Philanthropy is more than just generosity, it’s about creating lasting change. In India, where challenges like illiteracy, healthcare disparities, and financial exclusion affect millions, some incredible women have stepped up to make a difference.
From funding education to making healthcare more accessible, their work has transformed countless lives.
This Women’s Day, we celebrate ten extraordinary Indian women philanthropists who are shaping the future with their vision and compassion.
#1 Rohini Nilekani
A firm believer in the power of sustainable solutions, Rohini Nilekani has dedicated her efforts to water conservation, independent journalism, and public policy. Through Arghyam, she has supported clean water and sanitation initiatives across India.
In India, more than 163 million people don’t have access to potable water. Her work ensures communities have access to safe and sustainable water sources. She is also a strong advocate for free and independent media, investing in organizations that promote responsible journalism.
#2 Malini Saba
Malini Saba’s philanthropic work is rooted in women’s empowerment and mental health advocacy. Through the Saba Family Foundation, she has helped thousands of underprivileged women access financial aid, mental health support, and opportunities to become self-sufficient.
Her initiatives extend to children’s welfare and education, ensuring that those from marginalized backgrounds get a chance at a better life.
#3 Roshni Nadar
As the chairperson of HCL Technologies, Roshni Nadar is not only a business leader but also a driving force behind educational transformation and conservation efforts.
Her work through the Shiv Nadar Foundation has provided quality education to more than 39,000 students who otherwise might not have had access to it. She is also deeply committed to wildlife conservation, working on initiatives to protect endangered species and restore ecological balance.
#4 Ameera Shah Chhabra
Ameera Shah Chhabra has revolutionized healthcare accessibility in India. As the MD of Metropolis Healthcare, she has expanded diagnostic services, making high-quality medical testing available to people across urban and rural areas.
It is noted that almost 70% of our population lacks expert care due to inaccessibility. Her efforts ensure that millions receive accurate and affordable diagnostics, leading to better healthcare outcomes.
#5 Leena Gandhi Tewari
Leena Gandhi Tewari’s philanthropic work focuses on healthcare and education for underprivileged communities. She has contributed significantly to maternal and child health programs.
Data reports that nearly 50% of pregnancies in India are high-risk. These pregnancies can result in various complications for the mother and the baby, including risk of death.
Leena’s work ensures that women receive proper prenatal care and children get early education opportunities. Her initiatives also support the development of medical research and innovation to improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
#6 Anu Aga
Anu Aga’s work in education and social justice has made a profound impact on India’s education system. She has been a key supporter of Teach for India, an initiative that has transformed the way education is delivered to underprivileged students.
By investing in teacher training and classroom learning, she has helped provide quality education to thousands of children, breaking the cycle of poverty through knowledge.
#7 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
A trailblazer in the biopharmaceutical industry, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has used her success to drive healthcare accessibility in India. Through the Biocon Foundation, she has worked on making cancer treatment and essential medicines affordable for all.
Her work ensures that even those from economically weaker sections can access life-saving drugs. Her contributions to biomedical research have also led to breakthroughs in healthcare solutions.
#8 Sara George Muthoot
In India, almost 80% of women struggle with financial literacy, while almost 62% don’t even have their own bank accounts.
This is where Sara comes in. Financial inclusion has been at the heart of Sara George Muthoot’s philanthropic efforts. Recognizing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India, she has championed the art of microfinance programs.
These programs help women access loans, and get financial literacy training and mentorship. By empowering women to build their own businesses, she has contributed to economic independence at the grassroots level.
Celebrating Women Who Lead With Purpose
These remarkable women are not just philanthropists, they are changemakers. They tackle some of India’s most pressing social issues. Their work has uplifted millions of lives, proving that compassion and leadership can drive real transformation.
This Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate their contributions and ask ourselves, how can we contribute to creating a better world?
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