Lord Swraj Paul, an Indian-born British industrialist, philanthropist, and member of the House of Lords, passed away in London on August 21, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in Jalandhar, Punjab, in 1931, he moved to the United Kingdom in 1966 seeking treatment for his daughter Ambika, who tragically died of leukemia at the age of four.

Business Empire

Lord Paul's entrepreneurial journey began after this personal tragedy. He founded Natural Gas Tubes, which later evolved into the Caparo Group in 1968. Caparo Group became a prominent steel conversion and distribution business, manufacturing a wide range of steel products. The company expanded internationally, with over 40 sites in the UK, North America, India, and the Middle East. At its peak, Caparo employed over 10,000 people across these regions. Although Lord Paul stepped down from management in 1996, his wealth remained secure. While Caparo Group UK faced collapse in 2015, this did not significantly impact his financial legacy.

Wealth and Assets

Lord Paul's net worth was estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of pounds. The "Sunday Times Rich List" ranked him 81st in 2025, with an estimated wealth of £2 billion. This wealth was largely derived from the Caparo Group. He and his family owned a dozen flats in Portland Place, central London, each worth close to £1,000,000. Despite his wealth, Lord Paul maintained a modest public image, often using public transport. He also owned a country estate called The Grange in Buckinghamshire.

Legacy and Philanthropy

Lord Paul's legacy extends beyond his business achievements to his significant philanthropic contributions. In memory of his daughter Ambika, he established the Ambika Paul Foundation. The foundation supports children's education, health, and well-being worldwide. Notable contributions include the Ambika Paul Children's Zoo at London Zoo and a $5 million donation to MIT for "The Swraj Paul Theatre" at the Kresge Auditorium. Following the death of his wife, Aruna, the foundation was renamed the Aruna and Ambika Paul Foundation.

Public Role and Recognition

Lord Paul was appointed a Labour life peer in 1996 and sat in the House of Lords as a non-affiliated peer. He served as Deputy Speaker of the Lords and was appointed to the Privy Council. His contributions to British industry, philanthropy, and public service were widely recognized. He also played a role in strengthening Indo-British relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over Lord Paul's death, acknowledging his contributions to industry and his support for closer ties between the UK and India.

Lord Swraj Paul's life was marked by both personal tragedy and remarkable success. He built a global business empire, accumulated significant wealth, and dedicated himself to philanthropy, leaving a lasting legacy in both the UK and India.