T. P. G. Nambiar
TPG Nambiar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 November 1929 |
| Died | 31 October 2024 (aged 94) |
| Known for | Founder of BPL |
| Spouse | Thankam |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Electronics Man of the Year National Citizen’s Award Lifetime Achievement Award Recognition by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) |
Thadathil Parambil Gopala Krishnan Nambiar known as TPG Nambiar (25 November 1929 – 31 October 2024),[1] was an Indian entrepreneur, who is the founder of BPL (British Physical Laboratories).[2] He actively supported the evolution of the Indian electronics industry between the years 1960 and 1990. When India was the leader in the market of luxurious televisions, video cassette recorders, and audio systems, Nambiar helped BPL to establish as a household name in consumer electronics, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s.[3]
Early Life and Career
[edit]Born in Kannur, Kerala, India, in 1933, TPG Nambiar started his career in manufacturing, quickly developing an interest in electronics.[4] Early in his career, he traveled to Japan, where he studied manufacturing practices in consumer electronics and medical devices. This experience provided him with technical expertise and strategic insights, which he later applied in founding BPL.[5]
BPL Group
[edit]In 1963, TPG Nambiar established BPL (British Physical Laboratories) in Kerala. The company began by producing precision measuring instruments and medical equipment, such as ECG machines. At the time, India's access to high-tech healthcare devices was limited, so BPL's entry into medical electronics addressed a significant gap. Over time, BPL expanded from healthcare technology into consumer electronics, gaining recognition as it adapted to broader market demands.[6][7][8] BPL's partnerships with global firms such as Sanyo [9] and Siemens [10] from Germany played a crucial role in its development. These alliances enabled the exchange of technology, helping BPL to establish more pleasing research and development team, as well as manufacturing skills. Nambiar took advantage of these partnerships to broaden BPL's range of products and strengthen its technological infrastructure, enabling the company to stay competitive in the market during the 1980s and 1990s.[11]
Legacy
[edit]BPL's influence declined over time, but Nambiar is still recognized for his role in promoting an Indian electronics brand capable of competing with international majors. During a period when most consumer electronics were imported, Nambiar sought to establish locally manufactured, high-quality products accessible to Indian consumers. His contributions helped BPL become a familiar name in the 1980s and 1990s, especially for products like televisions, audio systems, and VCRs, which became popular in Indian households.[12]
Nambiar also invested in local manufacturing and training, which contributed to job creation and supported India's electronics ecosystem. His work set a foundation for future advancements in the electronics and technology sectors.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "BPL founder TPG Nambiar passes away at 94, leaving lasting impact". The Times of India. 2024-10-31. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "TPG Nambiar, the man behind BPL and an early 'Make in India' advocate". The Economic Times. 2024-11-01. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "ഓർമയുണ്ടോ ബിപിഎൽ കളർ ടിവി? പാലക്കാട് നിന്ന് ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുടെ സ്വീകരണമുറി കീഴടക്കിയ 'കേരള' ബ്രാൻഡ്". ഓർമയുണ്ടോ ബിപിഎൽ കളർ ടിവി? പാലക്കാട് നിന്ന് ഇന്ത്യക്കാരുടെ സ്വീകരണമുറി കീഴടക്കിയ 'കേരള' ബ്രാൻഡ് (in Malayalam). Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ Babu, Venkatesha (2024-11-01). "'Believe in the Best': TPG Nambiar, the original atmanirbharata champion". BusinessLine. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "കാഴ്ചയിലും കേൾവിയിലും വിപ്ലവം സൃഷ്ടിച്ച പാലക്കാട്ടുകാരൻ; ബിപിഎൽ സ്ഥാപകൻ വിടപറയുമ്പോൾ". Mathrubhumi. 2024-11-01. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "Consumer Electronics Giant BPL Is Plotting A Quiet Revival". Forbes India. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "BPL to be back in consumer electronics market in India". 2016-05-04. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ Thomas, Pramod (2016-10-07). "BPL was India's largest exporter of TVs: Ajit Nambiar". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ "Sanyo plans wholly-owned unit as venture with BPL yet to take off". The Economic Times. 2005-05-19. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ Fried, Rona (2010-01-06). "Siemens, BPL Global Team-up on Smart Grid Offerings". Sustainable Business. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ Service, Express News (2024-11-01). "Tributes pour in for BPL founder TPG Nambiar". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ Madhiraju, Pallavi (2023-11-04). "The legacy of BPL: Tracing the history of India's pioneering electronics". Business-News-Today.com. Retrieved 2024-11-02.
- ^ PTI (2024-11-01). "PM Modi condoles T P G Nambiar's demise, hails his contributions". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-02.