Rahul Bajaj was the chairman of the 96-year-old Bajaj Group, which includes the motorcycle company Bajaj Auto and the financial services subsidiary Bajaj Finserv. On February 12, 2022, he passed away. Rajiv, the late patriarch's older son, is the CEO of Bajaj Auto. The family's most valuable asset is Bajaj Finserv, which is handled by his younger son Sanjiv. Bajaj stepped down as non-executive chairman of Bajaj Auto in April 2021, handing up the position to his cousin, Niraj Bajaj. As chairman emeritus, the patriarch remained with the company.
WHO IS RAHUL BAJAJ
Bajaj Auto's chairman was Rahul Bajaj. He was born in Kolkata on June 30, 1938. The Bajaj Group was created by Rahul's grandfather Jamnalal Bajaj in 1926, and his father Kamalnayan Bajaj succeeded him in 1942. Kamalnayan founded the company that would later become Bajaj Auto. He moved into additional businesses such as cement, electrical appliances, and scooters within three years.
Rahul Bajaj sir obtained a law degree from Bombay University after graduating from St Stephen's College in Delhi in 1958. After that, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in the United States and went on to become the CEO of Bajaj Auto in 1968.
At the age of 83, Rahul Bajaj sir died on February 12, 2022.
Rahul Bajaj's journey as an entrepreneur
As Deputy General Manager, Rahul Bajaj sir joined his father's company. He was in charge of the company's core areas, such as marketing, accounting, purchasing, and auditing, among others. Rahul sir learned the intricacies of the company under the tutelage of Naval K Firodia, the CEO of Bajaj Auto. Firodia and the Bajajs eventually split up. Rahul sir was named Managing Director of Bajaj Auto when his father passed away in 1972. The corporation grew by leaps and bounds under his guidance. In the 1970s and 1980s, Rahul Bajaj founded the company. He increased the company's revenue to a billion-dollar level. Chetak and Bajaj Supermodels rose to fame in the Indian market thanks to his initiative.
Condolences Pour In For Veteran Industrialist Rahul Bajaj
Tributes and condolence messages poured in from business and political leaders for the former chairman of the Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj sir who passed away in Pune on Saturday. Bajaj sir 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.
President Ram Nath Kovind 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. My condolences to his family.”
Paying tribute to Rahul Bajaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Shri Rahul Bajaj Ji will be remembered for his noteworthy contributions to the world of commerce and industry. Beyond business, he was passionate about community service and was a great conversationalist. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Narayan Rane said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Padma Bhushan Shri Rahul Bajaj Ji, an acclaimed industrialist, and philanthropist. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Om Shanti.”
Uday Kotak, CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank in a tweet said, "A rare businessman who spoke truth to power. A proud Indian. Built world-class enterprise. I am truly honored to know him. Will miss him."
Vijay Bubna, CEO of Blue Sun Info in a tweet said, " Deeply saddened to hear about Rahul Bajaj’s demise. A straightforward man who would speak his heart out and not mince words come what may. My heartfelt condolences.Om Shanti.”
This year, India has lost one of its brightest entrepreneurial stars. A visionary who didn't mind speaking up. Few people are capable of creating institutions that become household names, let alone a long-term succession plan.
