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T.P. Gopalan Nambiar, the visionary behind the BPL Group and a pioneer in India's consumer electronics industry, passed away at the age of 94. Nambiar's life and career were marked by his unwavering dedication to building a thriving domestic electronics sector, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. He built BPL from the ground up, starting in 1963 during the Licence Raj, focusing on the production of hermetically sealed precision panel meters for the Indian defense forces.
Nambiar's vision extended beyond defense technology. He recognized the potential for a flourishing consumer electronics market in India. BPL's first manufacturing facility in Palakkad, Kerala, was a testament to his commitment to establishing a strong domestic manufacturing base. Later relocating to Bengaluru, the company expanded its product line to include color televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and other electronic devices, becoming a household name synonymous with quality and reliability in the 1990s.
BPL's success was not without its challenges. Despite achieving significant market share, especially during the liberalization era when multinational companies entered India, the company faced internal strife and strategic missteps that ultimately contributed to its decline. The company's attempt to diversify into unrelated sectors did not yield the expected returns, and the intense competition from South Korean giants like LG and Samsung proved difficult to overcome. By 2005, BPL's financial difficulties led to a joint venture with Sanyo, involving the transfer of its color television business.
However, Nambiar's legacy is far from diminished. He built a brand that not only became synonymous with quality but also played a crucial role in establishing manufacturing standards in India. His son, Ajit Nambiar, currently serves as Chairman and CEO of BPL, a testament to the company's enduring presence, though it operates as a publicly listed company. Nambiar's commitment to 'Make in India' manufacturing is particularly noteworthy, as he implemented this approach decades before it became a national agenda.
Following his passing, prominent figures across the Indian business and political landscape paid tribute to Nambiar's contribution to the nation's industrial growth. His son-in-law, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, expressed deep sadness and highlighted Nambiar's visionary leadership in building a trusted brand that remains popular. Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, acknowledged Nambiar's indelible mark on India's electronics industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences, recognizing Nambiar as a pioneering innovator who was a strong advocate for India's economic strength.
Nambiar's contributions extended beyond the borders of India, with BPL's products reaching western markets under its own brand. His life is a reminder of the power of vision and dedication, especially in the face of adversity. He is survived by his wife, Thankam, son Ajit, daughter Anju, and grandchildren Shreya, Devika, and Ved. His enduring legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit will inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and continue to shape the Indian business landscape.
Source: TPG Nambiar, the man behind BPL and an early 'Make in India' advocate