Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Susmita Bagchi, the Co-founder of Mindtree, has emerged as the second most generous woman philanthropist in India, with an impressive donation of ₹90 crore, according to the 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List. Her philanthropic contributions, particularly in the field of healthcare, have earned her national recognition.
Bagchi, along with her husband Subroto Bagchi, established the Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre and Research Institute, which has played a transformative role in making cancer treatment more affordable and accessible. Their efforts have significantly boosted healthcare infrastructure and outcomes for countless patients in India.
The 2025 list, compiled by the Hurun Research Institute, features the top 10 women philanthropists who collectively contributed ₹464 crore to causes spanning education, rural development, women’s empowerment, and scientific research. These visionary leaders are redefining philanthropy in India by aligning their wealth with sustainable impact.
Topping the list is Rohini Nilekani, who donated ₹154 crore, focusing on ecosystem building and institutional reform through her organization, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies. In third place is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, who contributed ₹85 crore towards scientific research, education, and social development via the Mazumdar-Shaw Philanthropy Foundation.
Other prominent names include Anu Aga of the Thermax Foundation (₹48 crore for education), Leena Gandhi Tewari of USV (₹25 crore for social development), and Radha Vembu of Zoho Corporation (₹11 crore for women’s empowerment and rural progress).
The report highlights how women leaders are not just donors but catalysts for social transformation, dedicating their resources to uplift marginalized communities and improve public services. Susmita Bagchi’s philanthropic journey stands as a powerful example of Odisha’s growing leadership in social impact at the national stage.
