Eminent industrialist and philanthropist Rahul Bajaj, who served as Chairman-emeritus of the Indian Multinational conglomerate Bajaj Group, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83, at his home in Pune due to illness. Rajiv and Sanjiv Bajaj, his sons, and Sunaina Kejriwal, his daughter, survive him.
He will be regarded as one of the most towering personalities of Indian Inc, who made immense contribution to the Country, Communities, Businesses and tremendously helped in improving India’s Socio-economic conditions. He was a leader of ethics who helped in building communities and businesses and his light will act as a source of inspiration to Generations of entrepreneurs to Come. He was a visionary in true sense who made “Bajaj” a household name in India. Under his leadership India witnessed revolution in two-wheeler Industry as well as financial services space.
Rahul Bajaj guided the Bajaj Group and remained in leadership role but stepped down as non-executive director and chairman of Bajaj Auto on April 30 last year. Post stepping down, he remained as the Chairman Emeritus of the Bajaj Group.
He was grandson of the eminent freedom fighter Shri Jamnalal Bajaj Ji. He was awarded Padma Bhushan and headed many eminent institutions including Indian Airlines, IIT Mumbai, World Economic Forum, International Business Council etc. In June 2006, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, where he served till 2010.
He was born in a pre-independence period on June 10, 1938. He successfully transitioned the group during the economic liberalisation and reforms of 1991, led by Dr Manmohan Singh and Narasimha Rao Government.
His leadership capabilities helped the Bajaj group to grow during the post reforms period following intense competition from MNC. Rahul Bajaj took over the Bajaj group firm in 1965 and put it on a path of expansion. He led the multifaceted company through India’s transformation from a closed to a liberalised economy.
He helped the Bajaj brand grow its product portfolio and gain foothold in global markets while successfully fending off emerging competition from Japanese motorbike manufacturers who were posing a threat to Bajaj Auto’s scooters. Bajaj Group has redefined Auto and Financial Services space in the country and have presence across numerous segments.
He was known for speaking out his heart and highlighting the concern which deeply touched him. During 2019 speaking at an event, he said to Home Minister of India that Government is doing a great work but the there is no confidence that criticism will be appreciated by the Government
On Sunday, his final rites will be performed at Pune’s Vaikunth Crematorium. Rahul Bajaj will be given a state funeral, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
India has lost his son whose contribution in building the Nation will be remembered for ever. He will act a source of inspiration for generations of young entrepreneurs having aspiration to build business, communities and Nation.
Bureau Galactik Views