Rahul Bajaj, former chairman of Bajaj Group, passes away at 83
Former chairman of the Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj passed away in Pune on Saturday, February 12, a company official said. He was 83. Bajaj was not keeping well for quite some time and passed away at around 1430 hrs on Saturday, the official said. His last rites will be held on Sunday.
Rahul Bajaj was the former chairman of the Bajaj Group, well known for motorcycle maker Bajaj Auto and financial services arm Bajaj Finserv. In April 2021, Bajaj stepped down as non-executive chairman of Bajaj Auto, as his cousin Niraj Bajaj took over.
Bajaj was one of the original champions of Make in India and one of the movers of the informal Bombay Club in the early 1990s which wanted to level the playing field for Indian companies as the influx of foreign companies started.
He is credited with the ubiquitous two wheeler in Bajaj Auto and the cult campaign of 'Hamara Bajaj-Buland Bharat ki Buland Tasveer' which brought slick world class advertising to Indian TV screens and a corporate brand campaign that resonated with the Indian public much before TV ads took off.
Bajaj was seen as a bold industry leader who always spoke his mind even to those in the government. Bajaj is also credited with building the industry lobby, CII of which he was president for two terms.
He was a former Rajya Sabha member and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001.
Bajaj is survived by two sons, Rajiv Bajaj and Sanjiv Bajaj, and a daughter Sunaina Kejriwal.
Condolences soon poured in on social media from several quarters.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman Emeritus of Bajaj Group and a philanthropist. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and friends,” tweeted MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman Emeritus of Bajaj Group and a philanthropist. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and friends.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 12, 2022
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "Distressed by the demise of automobile doyen Sh Rahul Bajaj Ji. He will be remembered as a fearless & dynamic leader who brought the iconic two-wheeler to India. My condolences to the family & his loved ones. Om Shanti"
Distressed by the demise of automobile doyen Sh Rahul Bajaj Ji. He will be remembered as a fearless & dynamic leader who brought the iconic two-wheeler to India. My condolences to the family & his loved ones. Om Shanti
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) February 12, 2022
“I am deeply shocked to learn about the sad demise of Padma Bhushan Shri Rahul Bajaj! The grandson of eminent freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj brought transformation in society especially in poor and middle-class people with his two-wheel technology - a Bajaj Bike!,” said NCP chief Sharad Pawar.
I am deeply shocked to learn about the sad demise of Padma Bhushan Shri Rahul Bajaj! The grandson of eminent freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj brought transformation in society especially in poor and middle-class people with his two-wheel technology - a Bajaj Bike!
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) February 12, 2022
Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai said he was a business leader who always spoke truth to power even while building a formidable business group.
Extremely sorry to hear about the sad demise of Rahul Bajaj ji. A man who never hesitated in speaking out his mind yet jovial and a reliable friend. We shall miss him.
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) February 12, 2022
Rahul Bajaj Passes Away. One Of India Tallest Business Leaders Chairperson Bajaj Group https://t.co/Bbkjt6xaSU
I join my father in condoling the death of #RahulBajaj ji. He will be remembered as one of India’s great industrialists who successfully navigated the reforms in the Indian economy while never afraid to speak truth to power. God speed sir. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/bxrvpbhGgt
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 12, 2022
Rahul Bajaj: bold and fearless. A rare businessman who spoke truth to power. A proud Indian. Built world class enterprise. I am truly honoured to know him. Will miss him. pic.twitter.com/UpVMh0z7R1
— Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) February 12, 2022
Rahul Bajaj was the captain & voice of Indian Industry. He was the doyen of manufacturing & truly the pillar of the auto industry. As Secretary, DIPP interacted with him on several occasions. Admired him for being always frank & fearless.India has lost a Gr8 nation builder. RIP.
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) February 12, 2022
The ‘spine’ of Indian business cracks. A close family friend, he was a visionary, straight talking and very respected for his value systems. An era ends! He leaves behind the two most capable sons in Indian industry, Rajiv and Sanjiv. #RahulBajaj Om shanti… pic.twitter.com/IziHS03I0D
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) February 12, 2022