India-origin British business magnate, Swaraj Paul, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 94 in London. Baron Paul, founder of the UK-based Caparo Group of Industries, had been ill and was hospitalised recently. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the loss and praised his contribution towards fostering India-UK ties.

In the post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi fondly recalled several interactions with Swaraj Paul. He 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.”

Who was Swaraj Paul?

Born in 1931 in Jalandhar, Swaraj Paul laid the foundation stone of the Caparo Group of Industries in 1968. The industrialist has major contributions to philanthropy to his name and he was conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1983.

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According to the Caparo Group’s official website, Swaraj Paul established the Indo-British Association in 1975 to foster a stronger understanding between India and Britain, later serving as its Chairman. He had a rather difficult familial life after he lost his daughter to cancer at the age of four in the UK. He lost his son Angad in 2015 and his wife in 2022, and thereon, dedicated himself to philanthropy.

He inaugurated the historic Indian Gymkhana Club in London in February 2023 to honour his 65 years of marriage and called it the Lady Aruna Swaraj Paul Hall.

Congress President Malikarjun Kharge expressed his condolences on social media sharing an old image of Swaraj Paul. Kharge wrote, “Swaraj Paul Ji…passionately championed the spirit of Indian entrepreneurship at global level.”

Paul’s philanthropy and more

Swaraj Paul set up the Ambika Paul School of Technology in Jalandhar in memory of his daughter and significant donations to Indian universities such as Punjab University, his alma matter. His family has also funded several scholarships for students who wish to study abroad.

He also made significant contributions towards child welfare and health, focusing on education and health initiatives. Paul was also comitted to fostering India-UK ties in the field of healthcare philanthropy, by benefiting Indian communities. His legacy stands as a symbol of global philanthropy.