Lord Paul opens new UK varsity building in memory of daughter

Noted NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has opened a new building in memory of his late daughter Ambika at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK which he said would inspire students and teachers who are the future of Britain.

The official naming ceremony for the "Ambika Paul Building" was accompanied by the unveiling of a special bronze and oak plaque to be placed at the main entrance as an "inspirational reminder" for students.

"This is a very special and emotional moment for myself and my family. Ambika was an angel and a bright light. It is fitting that the Ambika Paul Building will be full of vibrancy and energy," Paul, who is the Chancellor of University of Wolverhampton, said at the naming ceremony yesterday.

"These buildings inspire; they also house the most precious part of any university, the staff and students who are the future of this great city and country and part of the wider international community. I am proud that as they continue their lives, wherever their path will take them, they will be educated in the Ambika Paul Building and will always carry Ambika's name with them," he said.

The Caparo Group chairman was joined by his wife, Lady Aruna Paul, and daughter Anjli at the event, which also marked the opening of the university's new Wulfruna Building in memory of Lady Wulfruna, regarded as the founder of the city of Wolverhampton in West Midlands region of England.

"We often don't realise how important Wolverhampton is to this country. It defined race relations in Britain, telling the world that we are perhaps the most open place for everyone and we respect everyone. That is what makes me proud to be British and proud to be coming out of a country which is India," Lord Paul said.

Ambika Paul was born in Kolkata in 1963 and died of leukaemia at just four years old in April 1968. The memorial plaque unveiled for the building traces the story of her life.

"Her parents brought her to the UK for the most advanced treatment available...Her family never gave up hope because, in spite of her terrible illness, Ambika's bravery and love of life were an inspiration to all who knew her," the plaque reads.

Paul's family set up the Ambika Paul Foundation in her

memory as a charitable trust in 1978 to promote the well-being of children and young people worldwide through education, culture and health.In 2010, the foundation had donated funds towards the refurbishment of the university's Students' Union, renaming it the Ambika Paul Students' Union Centre.

Earlier this year, the foundation gifted a further $1 million - the largest donation in the university's history - which the institution said it would use to further enhance the student experience.

The new Ambika Paul Building, which is represented by a specially designed circular monogram using letters A and P, will house the university's multi-purpose Students' Activities Centre.

"Lord Paul is an exceptional ambassador for the university and the naming of the Ambika Paul Building will be particularly poignant for him and his family, providing a lasting tribute to their beloved daughter's life. Today's event has even greater significance after the recent and tragic death of their youngest son, Angad," said Prof Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton.

Angad Paul, who had joined Lord Paul at the opening of the Students' Union building back in 2010, passed away suddenly last month. The naming ceremony for the Ambika Paul Building had been transformed into a "celebration of the family" following the tragedy.