Jalandhar fondly bids farewell to UK-based Lord Swraj Paul

As UK-based business magnate and philanthropist Lord Swraj Paul (94) breathed his last on Friday. He was fondly remembered in Jalandhar, where he was born, did schooling and spent his college days.

Though it had been almost 70 years since Lord Paul had moved to the UK, he had maintained a deep connect with Jalandhar. Till around a decade ago, when Lord Paul was hale and hearty, he used to visit his native city after almost every two years, recalled academicians and people from his close circle.

Lord Paul, his parents and three brothers used to reside in their house on Tanda Road, where now Apeejay School, Tanda Road branch, functions. Lord Paul went to LR Doaba School after which he did his BSc from Doaba College in 1948-49. Dr Pardeep Bhandari, Principal, Doaba College, president Chander Mohan, general secretary Alok Sondhi, staff and students offered condolences today upon the demise of institution’s renowned alumnus Lord Swraj Paul.

“Lord Paul had carved a niche in steel manufacturing industry in the United Kingdom. He brought laurels to the country. He contributed to higher education by becoming Chancellor of Wolverhampton University (UK). He earned name and fame as Lord of Marylebone in the House of Lords (UK) and was known for his social work and contribution to society at large,” said Dr Bhandari.

Sharing pictures, Dr Bhandari said Lord Swraj Paul visited his alma mater in 2014 as the chief guest on 62nd convocation of the college and presented degrees to students. Lord Paul was conferred with Doaba Award by the college for his achievements.

Dr Bhandari said Lord Paul contributed Rs 20 lakh in memory of his wife Lady Aruna Paul to the college. The college management had constructed Lady Aruna Paul Student Recreation Centre — DCJ Delight in memory of Lord Paul’s wife, he said.

Lord Paul was also the founder Chairman of Apeejay Education. Dr Neerja Dhingra, Principal, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, said Lord Paul’s compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to social service made him a guiding force for the entire Apeejay family. His values, humility and dedication to society would remain an everlasting source of inspiration, she said.

She said Lord Paul had a special attachment to Apeejay College of Fine Arts. She said Lord Paul always expressed happiness while witnessing its growth in the field of fine arts. She said though he was no longer with us physically, his blessings and ideals would continue to guide the college on the path of progress.

Dr Sucharita, Director, Apeejay Education, recalled Lord Paul as very affectionate. “He treated us like his family members. Whenever he would give me responsibility of handling any project, he held complete faith in me knowing that I would do it properly. I had a chance to meet him few years ago during his last visit to Delhi. I have saved that last video as a fond memory,” she said.

Lord Paul’s Caparo business group had donated Rs 5 crore to IK Gujral Punjab Technical University for setting up an academic block. His daughter Ambika Paul’s statue has been placed right at the entrance of the university.