Nandan Nilekani, KP Singh, Nikhil Kamath On Forbes Asia Heroes Of Philanthropy List

In a testament to their commitment to social causes, three prominent Indian business leaders – Nandan Nilekani, KP Singh and Nikhil Kamath, have earned a coveted spot on the 17^th edition of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list. Released recently, this unranked compilation recognizes individuals who leverage their fortunes and personal resources to contribute significantly to various charitable causes.

Nandan Nilekani’s Generosity Towards IIT Bombay

Nadan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of the renowned tech giant Infosys, has been acknowledged for his substantial contribution of Rs.3.2 billion (USD 38 million) to his alma mater, IIT Bombay. This philanthropic gesture, spread over five years, is a poignant celebration of his 50-year association with the esteemed institute, where he pursued his undergraduate studies in electrical engineering. Since 1999, Nilekani’s cumulative donations to the institute have reached a commendable Rs.4 billion. Notably, in the past year alone, he extended his philanthropic reach by donating an additional Rs.1.6 billion to various educational causes.

KP Singh’s Post-Retirement Philanthropy Through DLF Divestment

KP Singh, chairman emeritus at DLF, made a remarkable move in August by divesting his remaining direct stake in the renowned real estate firm he once chaired. The divestment, amounting to 0.59% shareholding, generated a substantial Rs.7.3 billion. According to Forbes, this strategic financial move was motivated by Singh’s desire to fund philanthropic causes. Having stepped down as chairman of DLF in 2020, Singh’s commitment to social impact continues to shine, exemplifying how business leaders can channel their financial influence for the greater good.

Nikhil Kamath’s Inclusion and the Landscape of Corporate Philanthropy

Nikhil kamat, co-founder of Zerodha, is another notable name on the list. While the specifies of his philanthropic contributions are not detailed in the available information, his inclusion underscores the growing trend of business leaders across diverse sectors engaging in philanthropy. The Heroes of Philanthropy list, in its 17^th edition, deliberately excludes corporate philanthropy unless the individual is a majority owner of a privately-held company. This criteria ensures that the recognition is focused on personal commitment and involvement in charitable endeavors.