In August, the world lost a remarkable man — and I lost a friend. Lord Swaraj Paul lived an extraordinary life of vision, generosity, and service, and it is with deep gratitude that I remember him.
Lord Paul was an industrialist, a philanthropist, and a statesman. But for me, he was also a friend who believed in people and invested in them. He graciously wrote the foreword to my book Pond Business, a gesture I will always treasure. He welcomed me many times into the House of Lords, and even more meaningfully, into his home. Those moments were not just about hospitality — they reflected his character: warm, wise, humble, and endlessly encouraging.
His accomplishments spanned the globe. From founding and growing the Caparo Group into a global enterprise, to his philanthropic legacy in education and culture, Lord Paul always used his success as a platform to serve others. His support for the Zoological Society of London, through the Ambika Paul Foundation, honored his beloved daughter and gave countless families joy and inspiration.
Here in Missouri, we also saw his vision firsthand. Lord Paul invested in St. Louis through his support of the Angad Arts Hotel, a unique space where hospitality and creativity intersect. He also backed Missouri industry through Bull Moose Tube, helping grow jobs and opportunity in our region. His belief in Missouri’s potential was yet another reflection of his gift for seeing promise in people and places — and then helping that promise come alive.
In the House of Lords, he was a strong advocate for international understanding, building bridges between Britain, India, the United States, and beyond. His honors and titles reflected a lifetime of achievement, but he wore them lightly — never allowing position or prestige to overshadow his humanity.
I will remember him as an incredible man — accomplished beyond measure, yet still a loyal friend who never lost his humility. His passing in August leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the opportunities he created, and the friendships he cherished.
Rest in peace, my friend. You left the world better than you found it, and I am forever grateful to have known you.