Hurun India recently released its 2024 list of the top philanthropists in the country, and among the notable names is Zerodha co-founder and billionaire Nikhil Kamath. At just 38 years old, Kamath has been positioned as the youngest philanthropist on the list for the second year in a row after his impressive Rs 120 crore contribution to the Rainmatter Foundation. This generous donation has placed him among the elite philanthropists in India, alongside other young changemakers like Adar Poonawalla and Vivek Vakil.
Kamath's passion for cause
Kamath has been vocal about his passion for causes related to climate change, energy, education, and health. His dedication to making a positive impact on society has not gone unnoticed, as he has also become the youngest Indian member of The Giving Pledge, an organization founded by prominent billionaires Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.
Members of The Giving Pledge pledge to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes, reflecting Kamath's commitment to giving back.
In addition to his contributions to the Rainmatter Foundation, Kamath also established the Young Indian Philanthropic Pledge (YIPP). This foundation works with leaders in the startup ecosystem to encourage philanthropy, and to give away at least 25 percent of their net worth to charitable causes. Kamath's proactive approach to philanthropy has led to positive changes in various sectors and has inspired others to join the movement.
Last year, Kamath and his brother Nithin Kamath made headlines by donating Rs 110 crore to organizations focused on climate change and environmental sustainability. This generous act earned them a spot on the prestigious Hurun list, with Nikhil Kamath being recognized as the youngest philanthropist to achieve this honor. Their commitment to making a difference in the world has garnered praise and admiration from their peers and the public alike.
While Nikhil Kamath's contributions have placed him among the top philanthropists in India, he is in good company. HCLTech founder Shiv Nadar topped the Hurun list once again, showcasing his dedication to philanthropy through his foundation's substantial donations.
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries also led the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) list with a significant contribution, highlighting the impact that corporate entities can have on social causes.
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