BPL Group founder TPG Nambiar passes away at 94 in Bengaluru, PM Modi expresses grief

Popularly known as TPG, he is the father-in-law of BJP leader and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Indian electronic company BPL Group founder TP Gopalan Nambiar, died today (October 31), family sources said. Nambiar, 94, was not keeping well for quite some time and passed away in the morning, they added.

"He died at home at about 10.15 am," a family member told media. Returning to India after working in the US and the UK, Nambiar had set up the British Physical Laboratories India Pvt Ltd, as a joint venture with a British company, in Kerala in 1963 to manufacture precision devices for defence forces. It later expanded its medical devices, and in the 1980s, also diversified into televisions, video cassette recorders, and later on refrigerators and other consumer electrical and electronic devices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief after the demise of TPG Nambiar. 

Condoling the death of Nambiar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, "Shri TPG Nambiar Ji was a pioneering innovator and industrialist, who was a strong votary of making India economically strong. Pained by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers."

Mourning his demise, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said on 'X', "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."

Karnataka's Commerce & Industries and Infrastructure Minister MB Patil wrote on X: "I am deeply saddened to hear the passing of TP 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 and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul find eternal peace. 

Biocon Ltd Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also expressed her condolences.

"Founder of BPL Group, TP Gopalan Nambiar, passes away at 94; mourned by political leaders and family. A great visionary Business Leader who was a forerunner of our tele tech industry. Om Shanthi", she said on X.