Shabana Faizal, originally from Mangalore, has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring philanthropists, recently earning recognition as the youngest woman among the top 10 on the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025. Her journey from a small-town upbringing to co-leading a global enterprise and driving impactful social initiatives reflects a blend of ambition, resilience, and dedication to societal development. At 53, she has donated Rs 40 crore through the Faizal & Shabana Foundation.
Shabana's work has placed her alongside some of the most influential women in India’s philanthropy landscape, including Rohini Nilekani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Bina Shah.
Among India’s Leading Philanthropists
The EdelGive Foundation, in collaboration with the Hurun Research Institute, recently released the 12th edition of the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025. The list celebrates India’s most generous individuals and families, with 191 philanthropists donating a total of Rs 10,380 crore over the past three years, marking an 85% growth in contributions. Education continues to lead as the top cause, receiving Rs 4,166 crore from 107 donors.
Shabana Faizal ranks 10th among the most generous women, with her donation of Rs 40 crore (philanthropy by the family), making her not only a leading philanthropist but also the youngest among India’s top 10 women in giving.
Early Life and Professional Journey
According to YourStory, born and raised in Mangalore, Shabana pursued a degree in psychology from St. Agnes College and later completed a diploma in fashion design and merchandising from the National Institute of Fashion Design, Dubai. She began her career in male-dominated industries, including steel mills and data entry, establishing a foundation of resilience and adaptability.
As per Meitra Hospital's website, which mentions Shabana as its Director, her entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 as a retailer of specialty and luxury products. She later joined her husband, Faizal E. Kottikollon, in managing Emirates Techno Casting (ETC), where she oversaw human resources and administrative operations, playing a key role in the company’s success.
Currently, Shabana serves as Vice Chairperson of KEF Holdings, a Singapore-based family enterprise with interests across infrastructure, education, agriculture, metals, and investments. KEF Holdings leverages off-site construction technology and solutions, impacting global markets with innovative approaches.
She co-founded the Faizal & Shabana Foundation in 2007 with a vision of “Giving to Create Impact.” The foundation undertakes sustainable initiatives in education, youth development, healthcare, community outreach, regenerative development, humanitarian aid, and the arts, focusing on creating long-term societal change.
Balancing Family, Business, and Giving Back
Shabana is a mother of four—Sophiya, Sarah, Zacharia, and Czarina—but has continued to maintain an active role in business and philanthropy. Her work places her among India’s most influential women philanthropists, exemplifying how professional leadership and a commitment to giving back can coexist to create a broader social impact.
The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 highlights that the top 25 donors contributed Rs 50,000 crore in just five years, averaging Rs 46 crore every day. Mumbai leads in philanthropic contributions with 28% of total donations, followed by New Delhi and Bengaluru.
Shabana's work has placed her alongside some of the most influential women in India’s philanthropy landscape, including Rohini Nilekani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Bina Shah.
Among India’s Leading Philanthropists
The EdelGive Foundation, in collaboration with the Hurun Research Institute, recently released the 12th edition of the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025. The list celebrates India’s most generous individuals and families, with 191 philanthropists donating a total of Rs 10,380 crore over the past three years, marking an 85% growth in contributions. Education continues to lead as the top cause, receiving Rs 4,166 crore from 107 donors.
Shabana Faizal ranks 10th among the most generous women, with her donation of Rs 40 crore (philanthropy by the family), making her not only a leading philanthropist but also the youngest among India’s top 10 women in giving.
Early Life and Professional Journey
According to YourStory, born and raised in Mangalore, Shabana pursued a degree in psychology from St. Agnes College and later completed a diploma in fashion design and merchandising from the National Institute of Fashion Design, Dubai. She began her career in male-dominated industries, including steel mills and data entry, establishing a foundation of resilience and adaptability.
As per Meitra Hospital's website, which mentions Shabana as its Director, her entrepreneurial journey began in 1995 as a retailer of specialty and luxury products. She later joined her husband, Faizal E. Kottikollon, in managing Emirates Techno Casting (ETC), where she oversaw human resources and administrative operations, playing a key role in the company’s success.
Currently, Shabana serves as Vice Chairperson of KEF Holdings, a Singapore-based family enterprise with interests across infrastructure, education, agriculture, metals, and investments. KEF Holdings leverages off-site construction technology and solutions, impacting global markets with innovative approaches.
She co-founded the Faizal & Shabana Foundation in 2007 with a vision of “Giving to Create Impact.” The foundation undertakes sustainable initiatives in education, youth development, healthcare, community outreach, regenerative development, humanitarian aid, and the arts, focusing on creating long-term societal change.
Balancing Family, Business, and Giving Back
Shabana is a mother of four—Sophiya, Sarah, Zacharia, and Czarina—but has continued to maintain an active role in business and philanthropy. Her work places her among India’s most influential women philanthropists, exemplifying how professional leadership and a commitment to giving back can coexist to create a broader social impact.
The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 highlights that the top 25 donors contributed Rs 50,000 crore in just five years, averaging Rs 46 crore every day. Mumbai leads in philanthropic contributions with 28% of total donations, followed by New Delhi and Bengaluru.
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