Celebrating the life and legacy of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya
Friday 2 October 2026
Celebrating the life and legacy of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya
On Thursday 1 October, the family of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya was joined by distinguished guests to unveil a new portrait created to honour his life and legacy. The moment offered a chance to reflect with warmth and gratitude on a man whose vision and humanity had an enduring impact on UK manufacturing.
Professor Lord Bhattacharyya founded Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) in October 1980, after discussions with Lord Jack Butterworth, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick. This led to the creation of a manufacturing, teaching, and research group, designed to encourage industry and academia to work together.
He not only shaped manufacturing but also the lives and ambitions of the people who worked alongside him. His influence was particularly profound in the West Midlands, where he championed industrial regeneration, encouraged investment, supported businesses, and helped strengthen advanced manufacturing.
But his vision reached well beyond regional and national boundaries, with his work also recognised internationally.
Global impact
He received numerous honours, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his services to science and technology. He also received both the Great Wall Friendship Award and the Chinese Government Friendship Award in recognition of the strong relationships he helped develop between WMG and China.
These international connections extended to leading universities around the world, with the Honorary Chair of Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the President of Beijing City University both attending the event.
He advised governments, worked with prime ministers, supported major industrial developments, and helped attract investment to the United Kingdom.
His influence touched governments, businesses, universities, and policymakers around the world.
Under Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s leadership, WMG’s reach extended across continents through partnerships, research collaborations and educational programmes.
His international influence was particularly evident in India, where enduring relationships with the Tata Group and TVS Motor Company grew from his friendships with Mr Ratan Tata GBE and Mr Venu Srinivasan. These connections evolved into long-standing strategic collaborations that continue today.
Such relationships are powerful examples of how academia and industry can work together to achieve lasting impact, from major investments into the UK to the creation of one of Europe's largest research and development hubs, the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), which has delivered more than 100 research projects.
At JLR alone, 750 degree apprentices have been trained, and more than 1,200 Warwick alumni are now employed by Tata Group companies around the world.
His influence on Indian manufacturing extended far beyond these partnerships through a long-standing association of almost 30 years with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He championed manufacturing excellence, innovation and skills development across the sector.
In recognition of his contribution, CII named its headquarters the Prof. Lord SK Bhattacharyya Centre.
Honouring his legacy
Joining Lady Bridie Bhattacharyya and her family were Professor Stuart CroftLink opens in a new window, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, and Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, alongside respected industry leaders and long-standing friends of Lord Bhattacharyya, including the High Commission of India and the Consulates General of India, representatives from Beijing City University, and Lady Doris Butterworth.
Professor Croft welcomed guests, with Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Mentor of TVS and former CEO of JLR; Dr Roy Chung, Honorary Chair of University Court, HK PolyU, Co-Founder of Techtronic Industries Company Limited and Chair of the Bright Future Foundation; Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions; and Rt Hon Dr Greg Clark, Chief Executive of Warwick Innovation District, each sharing their personal memories.
Professor Stuart Croft said: "Professor Lord Bhattacharyya was a visionary leader whose influence extended far beyond Warwick. He combined an extraordinary passion for manufacturing and innovation with a genuine commitment to people, inspiring those who worked alongside him and creating opportunities for countless others.
"We remember him with great respect and gratitude as a colleague, mentor and friend whose legacy continues to inspire us today. We are proud to honour his memory with this portrait and celebrate the lasting impact of his work."
Speaking after the portrait was unveiled, Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG, said: “The portrait is a fitting tribute to Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, and it was a real honour to be there. I always held him in the highest regard for the incredible work he did for UK manufacturing, for the Midlands, and through partnerships around the world.
“I first met the Professor whilst studying for my EngD in manufacturing at WMG. Knowing and having the chance to work alongside him is something I’ll always be grateful for. He was admired and respected by all who knew him, and his influence continues to be felt throughout WMG today.”
The new portrait was commissioned by the University and created by artist Mark Roscoe, who is renowned for his portraiture and was also commissioned to create the portrait of the late Ratan Tata, a work that Professor Lord Bhattacharyya greatly admired. It will now be displayed in NAIC within the Lord Bhattacharyya Building — a space that reflects the shared vision he championed alongside the late Mr Ratan Tata and international partners.