NRI Industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, Founder Of Caparo Group, Dies At 94 In London

London (The Uttam Hindu): Renowned NRI industrialist and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul passed away in London on Thursday evening at the age of 94. He was the founder of the UK-based Caparo Group of Industries and a long-standing member of the House of Lords.

Family sources said that Lord Paul had been hospitalised recently and breathed his last surrounded by family members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over his demise, praising his contributions to industry, philanthropy and public service in the UK, as well as his efforts to strengthen India–UK relations. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Swaraj Paul Ji. His contributions to industry, philanthropy and public service in the UK, and his unwavering support for closer ties with India will always be remembered. I fondly recall our many interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Born in Jalandhar, Lord Swraj Paul moved to the UK in the 1960s to seek treatment for his daughter Ambika, who passed away at the age of four. In her memory, he established the Ambika Paul Foundation, which has since donated millions to support children’s education and health initiatives worldwide. One of its major beneficiaries is the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo at London Zoo, where she spent her happiest days.

Over the years, Lord Paul also initiated philanthropic endeavours in memory of his son Angad Paul, who died in 2015 and his wife Aruna, who passed away in 2022. In February 2023, he inaugurated the Lady Aruna Swraj Paul Hall at the historic Indian Gymkhana Club in London as a tribute to his wife, recalling, “We never had an argument during our 65 years of marriage.”

Ranked 81st in this year’s ‘Sunday Times Rich List’ with an estimated wealth of £2 billion, Lord Paul’s Caparo Group operates internationally across the UK, North America, India and the Middle East. His son, Akash Paul currently serves as Chairman of Caparo India and Director of the Caparo Group.

Lord Paul served as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton for over 26 years and was an active member of the Indian diaspora in the UK. Despite his frailty in recent months, he continued to attend sessions in the House of Lords.

His colleague Lord Rami Ranger said, “We pray for the departed soul. May the noble Lord rest in peace.”