By Gopalan Krishnan
For years, India’s reputation for generosity was lukewarm. Though the country has a rich tradition of charitable practices, philanthropy here often felt more performative than purposeful, with charitable acts sometimes seeming transactional rather than deeply felt. This was reflected in the country’s modest position on the global scale of giving. In 2018, India ranked 124th on the World Giving Index, an indicator of a country’s willingness to donate, volunteer, and help others. Many saw this as a consequence of a broader mindset, where even minor acts of charity were frequently seen as symbolic rather than substantial.
Media stories only deepened this perception, frequently contrasting the global generosity of celebrities with the often more reserved gestures from Indian icons. For example, while tennis star Roger Federer donated over a million dollars to support vulnerable Swiss families during the pandemic, many Indian celebrities were noted for more modest contributions or gestures that, though commendable, sometimes seemed geared toward public relations. This disconnect often felt like a missed opportunity to meaningfully impact the communities most in need.
This sentiment was echoed in a 2021 Harvard Kennedy School study, which highlighted that nearly all foundation assets globally are concentrated in the U.S. and Europe, with Indian foundations trailing far behind. Despite having a high number of billionaires, India’s foundations spent only 3% of their assets on charitable causes—lagging behind the 9% rate in the U.S. and 37% in Spain.
A New Era of Giving: The Rise of Corporate India’s Generosity
However, recent years have seen a palpable shift. A new philanthropic spirit is emerging among India’s most affluent individuals and corporations, especially following the pandemic. Corporate India has increasingly embraced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and individual philanthropy, and the difference is evident. According to a recent Times of India report, corporate giving has grown by 4%, reflecting a newfound commitment from some of the nation’s most influential families.
Key figures like the late Ratan Tata, known for his consistent contributions to health, education, and welfare, and the Nadar family, founders of HCL, are leading this movement. The Nadar family’s recent $850 million donation to educational causes is redefining large-scale philanthropy in India, with a focus on long-term, transformative impact in education, healthcare, and rural development. Unlike past efforts, which were often reactive or ad-hoc, today’s philanthropy is more strategic, aligning with global priorities such as empowering women, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and supporting disaster relief.
The Road Ahead: From Corporate Giving to Cultural Change
India’s improved position—now ranked 14th in the World Giving Index—signifies a shift. Yet, there is still much work to do. Corporate philanthropy, while growing, remains concentrated in certain sectors, and the challenge is to make giving more inclusive and sustainable.
A more comprehensive transformation of India’s culture of charity requires making generosity a societal value embraced by all, not just the wealthy or corporations. Building a culture of sustained giving calls for increased contributions at all levels, where individuals can actively support their communities with time, skills, or donations. For example, investing in education, especially for girls in rural areas, can be a game-changer. Education has the power to lift families and break cycles of poverty, and it’s encouraging that many new donors are prioritizing this area, recognizing the long-term impact of educating young women.
Conclusion: A Future of Hopeful Giving
The recent rise in philanthropic efforts by India’s wealthiest signals a promising shift in the country’s charitable landscape. As the culture of giving evolves, it’s crucial to maintain this momentum. If corporate India, its billionaires, and, importantly, its ordinary citizens continue to invest in giving back, we may witness a transition from transactional charity to compassionate, strategic philanthropy that addresses the root causes of societal challenges.
As India steps into this new era of philanthropy, let’s hope that more individuals and businesses join in a movement toward impactful giving. Beyond financial contributions, a lasting commitment to uplift those in need can drive profound change and foster a truly generous society.