TP Gopalan Nambiar, founder of BPL Group and pioneer in electronics, dies at 96

TP Gopalan Nambiar, the distinguished founder of British Physical Laboratories (BPL) Group, passed away at the age of 96 at his residence in Bengaluru on October 31. Nambiar was not only a prominent figure in the Indian electronics sector but also the father-in-law of Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a former Union Minister and current BJP leader. His family revealed that he had been in declining health for some time prior to his death, which occurred around 10:15 AM.

Founded in 1963 in Palakkad, Kerala, BPL started as a manufacturer of precision electronic devices for the Indian defense forces. The company quickly established its presence in the electronics market and relocated to Church Street in Bengaluru shortly after its inception. Nambiar was instrumental in expanding the company's product range to include color televisions, video cassette recorders, and audio equipment. By the 1990s, BPL had transformed into one of the largest and most respected brands in India's electronics industry, recognized for its innovative products and quality manufacturing.

Under Nambiar's leadership, BPL diversified its operations beyond consumer electronics. The company ventured into telecommunications and medical electronics, contributing to India’s rapid technological advancement. BPL was a pioneer in the mobile manufacturing sector, and Nambiar's vision helped create thousands of jobs, thereby uplifting local economies. His initiatives in promoting "Make-in-India" further enhanced India's manufacturing capabilities, showcasing homegrown innovations on a global stage.

In the wake of Nambiar's passing, tributes poured in from various political and industry leaders. Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his condolences, highlighting Nambiar’s significant contributions to the Indian electronics sector and his lasting legacy. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor referred to him as a visionary industrialist, stating that Nambiar's establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in Kerala marked a pivotal moment in electronics manufacturing. The Indian National Congress also acknowledged his role in igniting the original "Make-in-India" movement, emphasizing his extensive contributions to defense, medical electronics, and job creation, which have made a lasting impact on India's industrial landscape.