Philanthropy & Community
Philanthropy and community are central to Puneet Gupta’s work, shaping both his message and the impact he continues to make. Awarded an OBE in recognition of his contributions to charitable causes, Puneet is deeply committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful, lasting change. Through this, he champions the power of giving back, using his platform to inspire, connect and uplift communities both locally and globally.
Philanthropy
British Asian Trust
The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by His Majesty King Charles III and a group of British Asian business leaders to tackle widespread poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia.
Puneet has been heavily involved with the British Asian Trust for several years supporting fundraising and community projects.
PG Paper’s India Oxygen Covid Appeal
In 2021, as India faced a devastating surge in Covid-19 cases, PG Paper led a global effort to support those in urgent need. Under the leadership of joint CEOs Poonam Gupta and Puneet Gupta, the business mobilised its international network across China, India, Turkey and the US to secure close to 5,000 oxygen concentrators.
Never has PG Paper’s purpose been stronger and clearer than when India announced that it was running out of oxygen in the midst of a huge surge in covid-19 cases. We are one of many organisations in the UK and across the world who are working to help ease the time-critical situation in India.Puneet Gupta OBE
Puneet’s family and business ties ensure a strong and ensuring connection with India. In 2018, his company, PG Paper, sponsored a fundraising dinner for the Government of Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund in response to the Kerala floods.
Elephant Family
Puneet is a long-term supporter of conservation charity, Elephant Family, a part of The British Asian Trust. Puneet backed the charity’s “The CoExistence Campaign” which toured England throughout April to July 2021. Puneet also took part in the charity’s rickshaw races in 2015 and 2017, raising funds for the charity, founded by the conservationist and Queen Consort’s brother, the late Mark Shand to conserve the Asian elephants.
Combat Stress
Puneet is extremely proud to be a benefactor of the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, Combat Stress, after several years of fundraising efforts.
Combat Stress was founded over a hundred years ago to help former servicemen and women with mental health problems such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The charity provides a range of community, outpatient and residential mental health services to veterans. To find out more about Combat Stress, go to www.combatstress.org.uk.
I’m extremely proud to be a benefactor of Combat Stress as they do such important work with former servicepeople. This cause is very close to my heart, and I look forward to continuing my support of the charity through further fundraising efforts and by driving awareness of the incredible work they do.Puneet Gupta OBE
Meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Puneet had the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama during a visit to Dharamshala, where he also witnessed the sacred presence of the Nechung Oracle.
The experience reinforced the importance of perspective, self-awareness and continuous learning – principles that continue to shape his approach to leadership and philanthropy.
Action for Children
Puneet was a member of the Action for Children Committee from 2009-2018, and, between sponsorship and fundraising activities, has helped raise hundreds of thousands for disadvantaged children and young adults.
The charity protects and supports children and young people living in Scotland, providing practical and emotional support.
The Paper Industry Charitable Trust (PICT)
Puneet sits on the board of the Paper Industry Charitable Trust, previously known at the Stationers Social Society, was established over 125 years ago.
The charitable work of the SSS Benevolent Fund, which had previously played a role in providing assistance to members and their families in times of special need will be expanded through PICT to include support for educational ventures linked with the trade and schools.
Beyond Boundaries
Beyond Boundaries was launched in 2014 with a view to increasing female, ethnic and disabled participation in cricket. Puneet works with the Board bringing people together from sport, business and politics with the specific focus to increase funding, develop new opportunities and support local communities where there have been restricted facilities for the game.
MindMosaic Counselling & Therapy
Puneet led PG Paper to a new partnership with local Inverclyde mental health charity MindMosaic, providing the PG Paper team with dedicated counselling and mental health support and also supporting mental health first aid training, support which was extremely important during the pandemic. With 60% of PG Paper’s UK team living within a few miles of the HQ, many of Puneet’s charitable endeavors are concentrated on the local community.
Oxfam’s Scottish Circle
Puneet was heavily involved supporting his wife Poonam Gupta who formed Oxfam’s Scottish Circle with Annie Lennox. Poonam collaborated with other influential female entrepreneurs to improve the lives of women and girls and fighting poverty in the UK and worldwide.
The charity was set up in 2008 by world famous Scottish musician Annie Lennox, and the Scottish division began in 2010.
Pardada Pardadi Educational Society
Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES) is a remarkable organisation founded in 2000 in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through the education of girls. Puneet is a proud supporter of the organisation and its mission.
PPES provides free schooling, meals, healthcare and vocational training to thousands of girls from the most marginalised communities – many of whom would otherwise have no access to education.
Other
Puneet has also been fortunate enough to support a number of other international charities such as The Virat Kohli Foundation and Yuvraj Singh Cancer Foundation, both cricket-based foundations close to his heart.
These are just some of the charities Puneet has recently supported in various ways.
Community
Puneet is heavily involved in a range of community activities. From helping give people from ethnic backgrounds a voice in politics to bringing diverse groups together through events and playing an active role in his local area.
Puneet is proud to have sponsored several Diwali events at the Scottish Parliament, bringing together various members of the Scottish Asian community. He has also helped coordinate events through the British Asian Trust with His Majesty King Charles III in attendance.
Many of Puneet’s endeavours also concentrate on the local community through partnerships with charities such as Ardgowan Hospice, Rotary Club of Gourock and MindMosaic Counselling & Therapy, as well as previous initiatives with organisations such as Inverclyde Leisure and The Beacon Arts Centre.
