20 May 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Reliance Industries chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani, and his wife, Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani were included in TIME Magazine’s first ever Philanthropy list.
The two were chosen for “empowering millions” through their charitable initiatives in the list of 2025’s most influential philanthropists. The billionaire couple in 2024 had made total contributions worth ₹407 crore (about $48 million), making them one of India’s biggest donors.
The magazine noted that the Ambanis had funded wide-ranging initiatives that helped provide scholarships, school infrastructure, strengthened career skills, assisted rural agricultural communities, helped with water conservation, medical aid and more, with their approximately $110 billion fortune.
They also recognised Nita Ambani, who is the owner of the Mumbai Indians cricket team, for her contribution towards developing athletes. She has worked on providing world-class facilities to budding sportspersons, especially female athletes. About the initiative, Nita Ambani had said, “Their successes are even more special because of the difficulties women face in pursuing professional sport.”
TIME100 Philanthropy list
The TIME100 Philanthropy list also includes other Indians including former chairman of Wipro Azim Premji, entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, as well as Indian-origin American journalist Anand Giridhardas.
Other notable personalities on the list include David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, Jack Ma, Prince William and more from 28 countries across the world.
This is the first time that TIME Magazine has released a list honouring and recognising philanthropic contributions. Ayesha Javed, who led the project, said, “At this pivotal moment, this list tells the stories of how generous donors and leaders of foundations and non-profits are directing funding into the communities that need it most.”
The magazine said, “We launched the annual TIME100 21 years ago with the belief that individuals have the power to change the world, and in recent years we’ve expanded the franchise into areas poised to significantly shape our future—AI, Climate, Health, and now Philanthropy. In many places, as global institutions are chastened and world governments reverse ambitions, philanthropy is stepping into the void.”
Summary: Mukesh and Nita Ambani were featured on TIME’s inaugural Philanthropy list for their significant contributions to education, healthcare, and rural development.