CP PAUL, Chungath - A legend !
Late C.P. PAUL ( Chungath ), was a reputed Indian Business Icon from Kerala. He was the Chairman of the Chungath Business Group , who has left an indelible foot print in multiple walks of the society. He was an ardent passionate Jeweller, a reputed builder and a well known Philanthropist. C P Paul was an accepted authority in the varied facets of the Jewellery Industry of Kerala. He was well known for his professional acumen, shrewd analytical approach and above all his innate sincere hardworking nature.
A Multi facetted personality with a Golden Touch.
C P Paul
Early Life
C.P. Paul was born at Kottapady, a remote Village near Guruvayur, in Thrissur District, on 14th November 1941 as the fourth among the six children of late Chungath Pavunny and Kunjannam Mampilly couple. His siblings include, late C.P. Baby, a well-revered business leader of Kunnamkulam, Dr. Joy Chungath, a famous Paediatrician in Ernakulam, late Chinnamma Joseph Payyappilly, late Lucy Davis Nadakavukaran, and Mrs Alice Paily, wife of Dr PP Pally, Retired Director, Medical College, Alleppy. While pursuing his college studies, Paul joined the family Jewellery business, founded by his grandfather Lazar Chungath, way back in 1914, later nurtured and furthered by his father Chungath Pavunny, into a leading reputed Jewellery in Kunnamkulam.
Career
Expansion of the Jewellery Business
In 1959, at the age of barely 18, Paul started a new jewellery showroom at Chalakudy. Soon the Jewellery became the market leader in the area. Side by side he started a Hardware business, appreciating the growing potential of the fast-developing Chalakudy township- and it was an instant success. He was also the pioneer to have started a motorised two-wheeler dealership in Thrissur District.
Gold was his primary passion and to cater for the trending needs, Paul started a modern Jewellery Show Room in Chalakudy by the name "Chungath Fashion Jewellery" in 1984. Thereafter, he focused fully on the Gold Jewellery business.
1996 marked the 'Gold letter day', when he opened a sprawling showroom at Kollam, which was an unprecedented success. Thereafter there was no looking back, a chain of Chungath branded showrooms were opened at Angamaly, Karunagappilly, Dubai, M.G. Road, Thrissur, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Irinjalakuda, Palace Road, Thrissur, Kundara & Perumbavoor.
In 2014, "Orbit Diamonds", a Diamond Jewellery Manufacturing & Wholesale Unit was started at Thrissur. An exclusive boutique for custom-made Designer Diamond Jewellery was opened under the name of 'Tony Signature Diamonds', along with Lenkara & Orbit School of Design and Gem-science, which marked the entry in the Education Sector in the Gem & Jewellery field, which was one of his long-term visions.
There is no field where his Golden Hands had not touched. He was actively involved in Tourism and Hospitality niche domains, Real Estate & Construction sectors. Napier Heritage is a Premium Heritage resort in Fort Kochi which was added to the Chungath Group. Lenkara Residency, at Chalakudy is a landmark resort open to tourists.
C.P. Paul was always in the forefront of patronising and promoting the noble causes of the Catholic Community. He was a Senior Director of Deepika newspaper for over 16 years, during which he played a pivotal role in starting the Deepika Children’s League.
Family
On February 22, 1965, Paul married Lilly Thekkan , daughter of Kochuvareed and Kochumariyam of Upputungal Thekkan, Meloor
The couple is blessed with four children –
Mrs Raji Tony
Married to Dr. Tony T.J. Thaliath, Puthenpally.
Mr Rajive Paul
Married to Mrs Annamma Paul, Allapatt, Thrissur .
Mr Ranjith Paul
Married to Mrs Diana Thomas, Allapatt Palathingal, Thrissur.
Mrs Renu Abby
Married to Mr Abby David, Kattukaran, Thrissur.
Death
CP Paul passed away on 19th January, 2025 at the age of 83.
Bibliography
“Nanma Niranja Chalakudy ” – A comprehensive biography of CP Paul, covering his life, his business & social relations in Chalakudy, spanning over 63 long active years. It also includes his rich memories & a short history of the place during his life time in Chalakudy. The book was published in 2023 by H & C Publications. The Book was launched by Hon. Justice Kurian Joseph (Judge, Supreme Court of India). Popular writer, actor and producer Renji Panicker was also the present for the event.
Religion
His belief as a devout Catholic, which was reflected all through his life and in all his activities , in his business, and also in his relationships with his beloved customers. He perfected a daily prayer with which every organisation under the Chungath Group starts their day. He served as the Chairman of the Renovation Committee of the St. Mary’s Forane church; Chalakudy.
Philanthropy
C.P. PAUL was actively involved in many charitable, and humanitarian activities. He established The Chungath Charitable Foundation to carry out social and charitable services aimed at the welfare of society.
- During the floods in 2018 and during Covid-19, the entire staff members of the Chungath Group were formed into various task groups for facilitating humanitarian services for the community at large.
- During the Covid pandemic, over 3500 pulse oximeters were donated.
- In 2022, hundreds of hearing aids were donated to needy people.
- C.P. Paul was involved with the Chalakudy Social Welfare Society, which was focused on developing the basic necessities of the needy from the Kodassery Panchayath.
- Paul supported many non-profit service organizations like Anugraha Sadan, Chalakudy.
Other Activities
C.P. Paul played a significant role in education, business, and social welfare. He contributed to Chalakudy’s development, held leadership roles in various organizations, and actively supported community initiatives, including education, commerce, and charitable institutions.
- He played a key role in the founding of The Carmel School, Sacred Hearts College - Chalakudy, Panampilly Memorial Government College, and Prajyoti Niketan College.
- He was always at the forefront of contributing towards the overall development of Chalakudy.
- He was one of the key persons in starting United Kuries Pvt. Ltd. and also served as its Managing Director and Chairman for many years.
- He served as the President of the Merchants Association, Chalakudy. He was also the Unit President of the Gold Merchants Association, Chalakudy, and an active member of The Chamber of Commerce, Thrissur.
- During his time in business, he held several notable positions in various organizations such as the Chalakudy Social Welfare Society. He was also the President of the Lions Club of Chalakudy.
- He was the Certified Gold Valuer for the Government of India, appointed by the Central Revenue Department—a prestigious position he adorned for many years.