Man of steel

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">His is a homespun success story of an international Indian. Behind his position today as chairman of the £350 million UK-based Caparo group and member, House of Lords, is yesterday''s steel-edged grit. Let’s go back to the future with Lord Swraj Paul.</span><br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Inspiration starts from scratch: </span>I was born in a middle-class family in Jalandhar in 1931 as one of seven children. My father, who had a small manufacturing unit, didn''t make much money but was dedicated to the freedom movement. My elder brother Satya Paul was part of the movement too, and even put behind bars after a revolt. This instilled a patriotic zeal in me and I was inspired to achieve something in life.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Humility starts at home: </span>We were a close-knit family and always had dinner together. My father instilled the value of dignity of labour and sharing in us, and I''m reaping the fruits of this philosophy today. There were times when we swept the factory and office floor and, standing outside the office gate, distributed <span style="" font-style:="" italic="">chana</span> to passers by. Not once did we complain.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">The eternal romantic, that''s me:</span> After completing my schooling in Jalandhar, I studied at MIT, after which I returned to India and joined the family business in shipping and pharmaceuticals in Kolkata. In 1956, I first set my eyes on Aruna in Kolkata. It was love at first sight. Within two days, we decided to get married. Ours was a very short courtship, but we continue to romance each other after 48 years of marriage.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">The father of all tragedies:</span> In 1966, my daughter Ambika, who was suffering from leukemia, had to be taken to London for treatment. Much as we tried, we lost Ambika. For the next 22 months, I saw Ambika die again and again before my eyes. I could never forgive myself for lying to her that she would be fine. So shattered was I that decided to retire from active life. For almost a year, I gave up working and just meditated, read religious books, stopped meeting people. I still carry Ambika''s memories with me; I even live in the same flat in London where I lost my daughter.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Me, the comeback man: </span>I finally pulled myself together some time in 1968. I secured £500 from a bank, set up my company Caparo, and started trading in steel. As business took off, I set up a manufacturing plant for steel tubes. This plant did well too, and there has been no looking back since then. If Ambika is my guiding light, luck has always been on my side. Today, the Caparo group is into varied businesses like steel, shipping and pharmaceuticals.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">Hum saath-saath hain:</span> Aruna and I have three sons — twins Amber and Akash, and Angad — and daughter Ambika. While Angad got married recently, we have six grandchildren. I have brought up my children in the manner my father brought me up, by instilling the values of dignity of labour and sharing. Though my children were born and brought up in England, they are quite traditional — though, maybe, not as Indian as I am.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section3"><div class="Normal"><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="" font-style:="" italic="">Phir bhi dil hai Hindustani: </span>My heart is still in India. Indians are the most intelligent people in the world, I want to see my country''s potential develop to the utmost, I want to see India grow into a superpower. India has the capacity; we just need a committed government. In 1982, I persuaded the government of India to adopt liberalisation for the economy but was criticised for the suggestion. Today, liberalisation is the only mantra that works in India. India''s President, A P J Abdul Kalam, is my hero. He is a man with a vision who can truly put India on the path of progress. We also need more people like PM Manmohan Singh for the country to progress.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Momentous experience:</span> When John Major, the British PM then, called up wanting to recommend my name for peerage, I agreed. This speaks volumes for England as a country — it is open to nominating ''foreigners'' for such an honour. I consider my nomination to the House of Lords a momentous achievement. This honour has given me the position and opportunity to speak on issues like industry, the treasury, and social causes — issues that are close to my heart. When India was criticised abroad for its nuclear empowerment, I convinced powers that be in the West about the importance of this empowerment. In England, I speak about various issues concerning Indians there. Eradication of poverty is a priority for me.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">No regrets, no looking back — that''s happiness:</span> The journey from voicing slogans like ''<span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Inqalab Zindabad</span> during the Quit India Movement to the House of Lords has indeed been a long one. In 1996, I stepped down from the operations part of my company but continue to be chairman. I''ve never looked back at life with regrets. I believe that we only walk a path that destiny has charted for us. I have never looked at myself as an owner, only as a trustee. Finally, this is what gives me happiness.</div> </div>