On 21st August 2025, Lord Swraj Paul, a prominent Non-Resident Indian (NRI) industrialist, philanthropist, and member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom (UK), passed away in London at the age of 94. He was born on 18th February 1931, Jalandhar (Punjab).
- In 1983, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his significant contributions to social work.
Exam Hints:
- What? Lord Swraj Paul Passed away
- Where? London, UK
- Known For: NRI Industrialist, Philanthropist, House of Lords member
- Key Contribution: Strengthened India–UK relations; Established Ambika Paul Foundation for child welfare and education
- Founder: Caparo Group of Industries
- Award: Padma Bhushan in 1983
About Lord Swraj Paul:
Profile: He was an Indian-born British industrialist, philanthropist, and prominent public figure.
Parliamentary Role (UK): He was appointed as a Life Peer in 1996 and served actively in the House of Lords, contributing to committees on trade, education, and entrepreneurship.
- He served as a member of Panel 2000, an initiative to re-brand Britain.
Academic Leadership : He served as a member of the President’s Cabinet at Chapman University, Orange, California (United States of America – USA). In 1998, he was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton(UK), a role he held for over two decades.
- He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Westminster(UK) from 2006 to 2014.
Philanthropy: Founded the Ambika Paul Foundation, supporting global initiatives in child welfare, health, and education.
- He was also the founder of the UK based Caparo Group of Industries, a multinational steel and engineering company
Awards and Honours:
Honorary Degrees: Received 15 honorary degrees from universities in the , India, Russia, the UK and the USA and Switzerland.
Bharat Gaurav Award(1983): Presented by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber.
International Indian of the Decade (2013): Awarded by India Link International magazine.
International Icon of the Decade Award (2014): Awarded by World Consulting Research Corporation, Global Indian Excellence Summit, London.
Lifetime Achievement Awards (2014): Awarded by Black Country Asian Business Association for achievements in industry, education, and philanthropy.
Mahatma Gandhi Honour (2018): Conferred by the NRI Institute at its 30th anniversary.
