TIME 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy 2025: Ambanis, Nikhil Kamath & other Indians who made the cut

TIME magazine has released its 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy, highlighting global changemakers driving impact through charitable initiatives, funding, and policy reform.

Among those who made the cut are David Beckham, honoured for his continued advocacy as a champion of change; Michael Bloomberg, named 2024’s biggest donor; Oprah Winfrey, recognised for her work in female education; Melinda French Gates, who continues to focus on women, girls, and families; and Warren Buffett, credited with reshaping modern philanthropy.

Indians on the list:

Also featured are Indian business leaders Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Azim Premji and Nikhil Kamath.

Billionaire philanthropists Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani’s charitable initiatives are as varied and wide-ranging as the business empire that earned them an estimated $110 billion fortune. Mukesh, the chairman and managing director of the far-reaching Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, and Nita, the founder and chair of the Reliance Foundation, have funded initiatives affecting millions of Indians that have provided funding for scholarships; helped women strengthen their career skills; assisted rural communities with sustainable agriculture initiatives; supported water conservation projects; paid for the construction of hospitals; aided people with vision problems; and improved infrastructure for schools.

All told, the couple gifted ₹407 crore (about $48 million) in 2024, placing them among the country’s biggest donors.

(More to come)