While diving into the nostalgia of decades of 80’s and 90’s, if Indian popular consciousness is destined to explore a ride, the default rider has to the Bajaj ‘Chetak’ scooter. Once the prized possession of Indian middle class, ‘Chetak’ scooter, was the manifestation of the vision of a man who steered the two-wheeler revolution of post-Independence history. Rahul Bajaj, the visionary, the ultimate crusader for millions, has departed.
After being hospitalized for a month, Rahul Bajaj died in Pune on Saturday. He was 83 and was being treated for pneumonia and other heart related ailments. Billionaire businessman, was currently serving as the chairman emeritus of conglomerate Bajaj Group, after resigning in 2021 from the chairmanship of Bajaj auto, the second largest Indian motorcycle producer firm, which he led for over 5 decades.
Rahul Bajaj was popularly cherished for his spirit of commitment to social concerns beyond business buzz. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a social media post paid tribute to the business stalwart. He tweeted, “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.”
Born on June 10, 1938, Bajaj, after graduating in Economics from St Stephen’s College in Delhi University in 1958, completed a degree in Law from Bombay University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He eventually joined Bajaj Group in 1965 where he helmed the company as the chief executive officer in 1968. In 2005, Rahul Bajaj stepped down from his executive role. He served as the Chairman of Industry Body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for two terms, 1979-80 and 1999-2000. Bajaj was also the chairman of Indian Airlines and the board of governors of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
His role in revolutionizing the two-wheeler manufacturing and making it affordable for the masses paved the way for his dream product to inspire the memories for a generation of Indians. Journalist Rahul Fernandes writes, “Bajaj will always have a special place in the hearts of those of us who grew up with scooters in the family. Chetak, Super, Priya. Names that made us feel it was truly Hamara Bajaj.”
The ‘spine’ of Indian business cracks, as called by businessman Harsh Goenka, was known for his upfront criticism on subjects that were concerning to the nerves of time. He barely resisted from saying the truth to power. After the announcement of economic liberalization in 1991 by the then Finance minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rahul Bajaj was amongst those rare voices who called up for internal restructuring ahead of deregulation. He was then cherished as the member of Bombay club, what to media and many others around was the then club of protectionists.
However, protectionism to him wasn’t about opposing entry to foreign players. He actually once approached prime Minister Indira Gandhi and urged “Please liberalize madam…I never said protect me; just give me a level playing field as well.” T V Narendran, President CII says, “He spoke for globalization and was a strong and influential proponent for connecting Indian businesses globally.”
The outspoken entrepreneur, and the grandson to Mahatma Gandhi’s adopted 5th son Jamnanlal Bajaj, Rahul Bajaj was also a member of the upper house of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from 2006-2010.
Rahul Bajaj was conferred with nation’s third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2001.
Bajaj is survived by his sons Rajiv and Sanjiv Bajaj along with daughter Sunaina Kejriwal. His will be a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. Amitabh Kant, CEO – Niti Aayog tweets, “Rahul Bajaj was the captain & voice of Indian Industry. He was the doyen of manufacturing & truly the pillar of the auto industry.”
His last rites will be performed on Sunday with state honours, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said in a Twitter post.
Edited by NK Jha