Lord Swraj Paul: Legacy of Truth, Trust, and Transparency Honored

London, Aug 26 (PTI) Lord Swraj Paul, a pioneering NRI industrialist who shaped the Caparo Group of industries, is remembered for his legacy of “truth, trust, and transparency.” His son, Akash Paul, assures that these principles will continue to guide the family and the business.

Swraj Paul, who passed away at 94 in London, was honored at a solemn prayer meeting held at London Zoo, a place he once helped save from closure with his philanthropy. The memorial was attended by figures from business, politics, and philanthropy, with Vedic prayers led by Dr. M N Nandakumara, director of Bhavan UK.

Akash Paul, chairman of Caparo India and director of the Caparo Group, expressed his emotions to PTI, stating, “The outpouring of tributes leaves me elated for his noble soul. The trio of truth, trust, and transparency will always be his enduring legacy.”

An MIT alumnus like his father, Akash reflects on Lord Paul's impact, noting the unconditional and tough love that set his path to success. During a recent trip to Iceland with his wife Nisha, he received an urgent call, giving him a final chance to speak to his father, Swraj Paul, who passed shortly after their conversation.

In July 2024, Lord Paul, as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, awarded Akash an honorary doctorate for his contributions to business administration, highlighting Caparo’s growth under Akash's leadership across the UK, Europe, US, and India.

Akash, accompanied by his siblings Ambar, Anjli, and other family members, attended the prayer meet. He spoke of his father's qualities that made him a stalwart of industry.

Swraj Paul documented his journey from Jalandhar to becoming a diaspora leader in his memoir ‘Beyond Boundaries’ and a biography of former PM Indira Gandhi. Moving to London after the tragic death of his daughter, Ambika, he found solace in establishing stronger India-UK ties through his work.

The Ambika Paul Foundation, initially for his daughter, expanded to include projects in memory of his son Angad and wife Aruna. In his memoir, Lord Paul expressed his single ambition: to maintain the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo as the best in the world.

Appropriately, his farewell gathering took place at the very children’s zoo he cherished, surrounded by family and friends.