The Most Generous Woman Of India
Rohini Nilekani is a philanthropist committed to giving back to society and strengthening all its facets. In 2001, Rohini founded Arghyam to fund sustainable water and sanitation initiatives across India. Then in 2004, she co-founded Pratham Books with the vision of democratising reading for children. An ex-journalist, she published a number of books with philanthropic messaging and served as founder-chairperson for Pratham from 2004-2014. In 2015, Rohini set up the EkStep Foundation. The foundation uses technology to help underprivileged children access education and other opportunities to learn. In 2017, Rohini signed the ‘Giving Pledge’ with her husband, Nandan Nilekani and they committed half of their wealth to philanthropic pursuits. She is currently supporting over 50 civil organisations from diverse sectors like education, gender equality, mental health, governance, justice, independent media, animal welfare, and climate change!
Power Move
In 2022, Rohini became India’s most generous woman according to EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2022. This happened after she donated Rs 120 crore in the year FY 21-22! Most of Rohini’s donations were in the environmental suitability and education sectors. Rohini also published her book, Samaaj, Sarkaar, Bazaar: A Citizen-First Approach in 2022. She explains her approach to philanthropy and her mission to strengthen the “samaaj” in the book. In 2022, she also launched Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, a consolidated portfolio of Rohini’s Philanthropic pursuits.
The POPxo Power Women List is an annual list that celebrates incredible Indian women from diverse domains who make power moves that have a real impact. With The POPxo Power Women List 2023, we celebrate 23 phenomenal women. To see the entire list, click here.
