Bengaluru, October 31: T.P. Goplan Nambiar, the esteemed founder of the BPL Group, passed away at his Bengaluru residence on Thursday morning due to age-related ailments. He was 94 years old. The news was confirmed by his son-in-law, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
In a heartfelt post on X, Chandrasekhar expressed his sorrow, stating, "It is with great sadness that I inform all about the passing of my father-in-law T.P.G. Nambiar, Chairman BPL Group. #OmShanthi He was a true visionary who built one of India's most trusted consumer brands that remains popular to this day. #BelieveInTheBest." He also announced that he would be pausing his election campaign to be with his family during this difficult time.
Nambiar returned to India after working in the US and the UK, establishing British Physical Laboratories India Pvt Ltd in 1963 in Kerala as a joint venture with a British company to manufacture precision devices for the defense sector. The company later expanded into medical devices and diversified into consumer electronics, including televisions, video cassette recorders, and refrigerators during the 1980s.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences via a post on X, stating, "Shri TPG Nambiar Ji was a pioneering innovator and industrialist who strongly advocated for making India economically robust. I am pained by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers."
Karnataka's Commerce and Industries Minister M.B. Patil also paid tribute, saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of T.P. Gopalan Nambiar, the visionary founder of the BPL Group, whose pioneering contributions to India's electronics industry have left an indelible mark. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace. #BPL"
Former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa expressed his sadness, noting, "Saddened by the passing of Shri TPG Nambiar, founder of the iconic BPL brand, who has been a close acquaintance for a long time. Shri Nambiar's enormous contributions and legacy will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones."
Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor also shared his condolences, saying, “Sad to learn of the passing of Shri TPG Nambiar, visionary Kerala industrialist who ushered in a new chapter in electronics manufacturing by setting up a state-of-the-art facility at Palakkad after acquiring British Physical Laboratories in 1961, later renamed BPL Limited. A true pioneer who remains an inspiration.”
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Executive Chairperson of Biocon Ltd, mourned Nambiar's passing, stating, "Founder of BPL Group, T.P. Gopalan Nambiar, passes away at 94; mourned by political leaders and family. A great visionary business leader who was a forerunner of our teletech industry. Om Shanthi."
