PM Modi Pays Tribute As NRI Industrialist Lord Swraj Paul Passes Away At 94

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the death of renowned NRI industrialist and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul, who passed away in London on Thursday evening at the age of 94.

Family members confirmed that Lord Paul, who had been unwell and recently hospitalised, died at the hospital.

Expressing grief, PM Modi highlighted Lord Paul’s legacy and his lifelong commitment to strengthening ties with India.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”

The Prime Minister also shared personal memories of his meetings with Lord Paul.

“I fondly recall our many interactions. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” he posted.

Early Journey and Contributions

Lord Swraj Paul, a member of the UK’s House of Lords and founder of the Caparo Group, was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, on 18 February 1931.

He moved to the UK in the 1960s for his daughter Ambika’s cancer treatment.

Following her death at the age of four, he established the Ambika Paul Foundation to support children and youth.

Despite the later loss of his son Angad in 2015 and his wife Aruna in 2022, he continued his philanthropic work in their memory.

Created a life peer in 1996, Lord Paul actively contributed in the House of Lords, particularly in areas of trade, education and entrepreneurship.

He also played a crucial role in saving the London Zoo from closure, supporting its children’s section through initiatives under the Ambika Paul Foundation.

Last month, while hosting an annual commemoration at the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo in London, he recalled, “The London Zoo is where she was always the happiest.”

Through perseverance and business acumen, Lord Paul rose to become one of Britain’s wealthiest Asians, leaving a lasting mark in industry, politics and philanthropy.

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Mankrit Kaur