Famous Indian Philanthropists

Nita Ambani is an Indian philanthropist, businesswoman, and art collector. She is the chairperson and founder of the Reliance Foundation and Dhirubhai Ambani International School. Nita Ambani is also a director of Reliance Industries and the owner of the Indian Premier League cricket team Mumbai Indians. She has been recognized as one of the most influential women business leaders in Asia by Forbes. Nita Ambani made history by becoming the first Indian woman to join the International Olympic Committee. Additionally, she is the co-chair of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image and inaugurated the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai in 2023.

Savitribai Phule was a trailblazing figure in India's history, renowned for her contributions as one of the first female teachers in the country. A dedicated social reformer and poet, she, alongside her husband Jyotiba Phule, led significant advancements in women's rights. Their pioneering efforts in women's education led to the establishment of the first school for girls in Pune in 1848. Savitribai tirelessly worked to eradicate discrimination based on caste and gender, becoming a pivotal figure in India's feminist movement.

Kilari Anand Paul is an Indian Christian evangelist, humanitarian, and politician known for founding US-based organizations Global Peace Initiative (GPI) and Gospel to the Unreached Millions (GUM). He has established orphanages, including Charity City in Hyderabad, and has been involved in various philanthropic activities. Paul's professional life also includes the establishment of the Praja Shanti party in collaboration with Manoj Malla alias Bala Yesu in 2008. He has been active in social and political spheres, working towards peace and humanitarian causes.

A. V. Meiyappan, also known as AVM, was an influential figure in Indian cinema, particularly in the Tamil film industry. He was a pioneering film producer, director, and screenwriter who founded AVM Productions in Chennai. AVM played a key role in shaping Tamil cinema and was among the prominent movie moguls of South Indian cinema. His production company achieved remarkable success, running for five decades and three generations. AVM's legacy includes directing acclaimed films and producing numerous successful movies, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian film industry.

Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar was the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore from 1940 to 1950, later serving as the governor of Mysore until 1964 and as governor of Madras from 1964 to 1966. His reign began during World War II, and he eventually merged the Kingdom into the Dominion of India in 1947. Despite holding royal status, he was known for his humility and commitment to the well-being of his people, earning praise for his support of causes aimed at enhancing the moral and material progress of society.

Vicente Ferrer Moncho was a Jesuit missionary dedicated to improving the lives of the underprivileged in Southern India. He founded a mission in Andhra Pradesh, where he focused on humanitarian efforts to uplift the poor. Through the Vicente Ferrer Foundation, he initiated and oversaw various projects aimed at providing assistance to over 2.5 million individuals in need. His professional life was characterized by a deep commitment to serving others and making a tangible difference in the lives of the marginalized communities he served.

Anathapindika was a wealthy merchant, banker, and philanthropist in Savatthi during the time of Gautama Buddha. He was known for his generosity and dedication to supporting the Buddha and his monastic community. Anathapindika founded the Jetavana Monastery, one of the most important temples of that era. As the chief patron, he provided daily meals for the Buddha's monks, maintained the monastery, and assisted the Buddha in interacting with the public. He was revered as the male lay disciple who excelled in generosity and was a significant benefactor of the Buddha and his followers.

Mah Laqa Bai was an influential Indian Urdu poet, courtesan, and philanthropist based in Hyderabad during the 18th century. She was the first female poet to have a diwan of her work published posthumously. Known for her literary contributions in Urdu Ghazals, she lived during the transition of Dakhini to Persianized Urdu. Appointed to the highest nobility by the Nizam of Hyderabad, she was involved in state policies, diplomatic engagements, and participated in battles and hunting expeditions. Her memorial in Hyderabad was restored in 2010 with funds from the US government.

Krishna Kumar Birla was a prominent Indian industrialist known for his significant contributions to the business world. He played a key role in the growth and diversification of the Birla group of companies, establishing a strong presence in various sectors such as textiles, cement, and chemicals. Birla was also involved in philanthropic activities, supporting various educational and cultural institutions. His business acumen and vision solidified his reputation as a respected leader in the Indian industrial landscape.

Akhilesh Das Gupta was an accomplished educationist, professor, and Indian politician. He held prominent positions in the world of badminton, serving as the president of the Badminton Association of India, vice president of the Badminton Asia Confederation, and a member of the Executive Council of the Badminton World Federation. Additionally, he was a vice president of the Indian Olympic Association. Through his various roles, Akhilesh Das made significant contributions to the development and promotion of badminton both in India and on the international stage.

Sassoon David Sassoon was a prominent figure in the business world, known for his contributions as a banker, businessman, and philanthropist. He made a significant impact on the British Indian and Iraqi business communities through his successful ventures and financial acumen. Sassoon played a key role in shaping the banking sector and promoting economic growth in the regions he operated in. His philanthropic endeavors also left a lasting legacy, benefiting numerous individuals and communities through his charitable activities.

Elias David Sassoon was an Indian merchant and banker who expanded his family's business into China and established his own company, "E.D. Sassoon & Co.", trading in various goods. He played a key role in the business operations in Bombay and Shanghai. He also founded the Jewish Cemetery, Chinchpokli, in memory of his son. Elias was known for his involvement in the opium trade and for trading in dried fruits, nankeen, metals, tea, silk, spices, and camphor. His professional legacy extended to multiple cities in Asia.

Walchand Hirachand Doshi was an Indian industrialist known for founding the Walchand group. He was a pioneer in various industries, establishing India's first modern shipyard, aircraft factory, and car factory. Additionally, he ventured into construction, sugarcane plantations, sugar factories, confectioneries, and engineering companies. Walchand Hirachand played a significant role in shaping India's industrial landscape, contributing to the country's economic development through his diverse business ventures and innovative approach to entrepreneurship.