AI Generated Summary
- His role as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton and his peerage as the Lord of Marylebone in the House of Lords underscored his influence beyond the boardroom.
- His demise has evoked an outpouring of memories and tributes in his birthplace, where his early years laid the foundation for a life dedicated to enterprise, education, and service.
- Born and raised in a modest family home on Tanda Road—now the site of the Apeejay School—Swraj Paul attended LR Doaba School before earning his BSc from Doaba College in 1948–49.
Lord Swraj Paul, the UK-based business magnate and philanthropist whose remarkable journey from the streets of Jalandhar to the British House of Lords inspired generations, passed away on Friday at the age of 94. His demise has evoked an outpouring of memories and tributes in his birthplace, where his early years laid the foundation for a life dedicated to enterprise, education, and service.
Early Life in Jalandhar
Born and raised in a modest family home on Tanda Road—now the site of the Apeejay School—Swraj Paul attended LR Doaba School before earning his BSc from Doaba College in 1948–49. Despite moving to the United Kingdom nearly seven decades ago, his ties to his hometown remained unbroken. Friends, academics, and former colleagues recall his visits to Jalandhar almost every two years until around a decade ago, when advancing age began to limit his travels.
A Global Industrial Leader
Lord Paul’s professional journey saw him carve out a distinguished career in the steel manufacturing industry in Britain. As founder of the Caparo Group, he rose to prominence not only as an industrialist but also as a key figure in promoting UK–India business relations. His role as Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton and his peerage as the Lord of Marylebone in the House of Lords underscored his influence beyond the boardroom.
Unwavering Commitment to Education
Education remained a lifelong passion. At his alma mater, Doaba College, faculty remembered him as a generous benefactor. In memory of his late wife, Lady Aruna Paul, he donated ₹20 lakh to establish the Lady Aruna Paul Student Recreation Centre. In 2014, he returned as chief guest for the college’s 62nd convocation, presenting degrees and receiving the prestigious Doaba Award.
His philanthropic reach extended further: the Caparo Group contributed ₹5 crore to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University to build an academic block, with a statue of his late daughter Ambika Paul welcoming visitors at the university entrance.
Apeejay Education and Lasting Values
Lord Paul also served as the founding chairman of Apeejay Education, where his compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to social service became guiding principles. Principals and directors from Apeejay institutions recall his personal warmth, trust in his colleagues, and deep pride in the growth of their educational initiatives—particularly in fine arts.
Remembering a Visionary
From Jalandhar to London, Lord Swraj Paul’s life was a testament to resilience, ambition, and benevolence. As tributes pour in from both sides of the globe, his story continues to inspire—rooted in his hometown, yet boundless in its reach. Though he is no longer here, his ideals, generosity, and vision will continue to shape the institutions and lives he touched for years to come.
