Noted industrialist, Padma Bhushan awardee and the head of Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj passed away on Saturday after suffering from pneumonia and heart problem for a month. He was 83.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several industrialists and heads of associations and organised paid rich tribute to Bajaj.
Kovind tweeted, “Saddened to learn of Shri Rahul Bajaj’s demise. A doyen of Indian industry, he was passionate about its priorities. His career reflected the rise and innate strength of the nation’s corporate sector. His death leaves a void in the world of industry. My condolences to his family.”
In his tweet, Modi said, “Saddened to learn of Shri Rahul Bajaj’s demise. A doyen of Indian industry, he was passionate about its priorities. His career reflected the rise and innate strength of the nation’s corporate sector. His death leaves a void in the world of industry.”
Recipient of honorary doctorates from several universities, Bajaj stepped down as non-executive Chairman of Bajaj Auto in April 2021. He created one of the oldest business groups in India, which had in its fold about 25 companies, including Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Electricals and Bajaj Allianz.
He was the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) during 1976-77. He had a rare distinction of being the Chairman of the industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for two terms—1979-80 and 1999-2000.
In his condolence message, Kenichi Ayukawa, President, SIAM, said, “The entire automobile industry joins me in expressing our deep sorrow on the sad demise of Shri Rahul Bajaj, Chairman Emeritus at Bajaj Auto.”
He was a great industrialist who built an empire on sound principles and left a legacy that made India proud with its presence in several countries. As the President of SIAM, he made an invaluable contribution to the Indian automobile industry. The greatness of his personality lay in his simplicity, accessibility, frank and honest communication, just like his visionary entrepreneurship.
“SIAM pays homage to this great leader. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tragic time,” Ayukawa added.
Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company, said Rahul Bajaj strode across the Indian industrial landscape like a colossus. He was among the few stars who created the Indian automotive industry. He was a pioneer who established a culture of quality and technology. He stood for high integrity in business and stuck to his principles. “Rahul played a key role in industry bodies around the world like World Economic Forum and CII and was very well respected. He will be sorely missed,” Srinivasan added.
Photo courtesy: Bajaj Auto.