New Delhi: Leading businessman Rahul Bajaj, 83, has died. He died while undergoing cancer treatment in Pune. He was the chairman of the Bajaj Group, an automaker. He was instrumental in Bajaj’s diversification and joined the Bajaj Group in 1965. In 1986, he became the Chairman of Indian Airlines. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001. Member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2010.
∙ The message of ‘Hamara Bajaj’
Bajaj has been the dream of the youth since the 1980s and in the 1990s gave Bajaj a kick start to the two – wheeler dreams of the common man. The slogan was sung while singing the chorus of the common man’s desire to own a two-wheeler. Hamara Bajaj
When Rahul took over as chairman, the company had an annual turnover of Rs 7 crore. It was for him to lead the company to progress, from the days of the restricted economy where only Bajaj scooters existed, to the time of the liberal economy where many foreign brands came into the market.
The Bajaj Company was founded in 1926 by Rahul’s grandfather Jamnalal Bajaj. Jamnalal was also very close to Gandhiji. The land on which Gandhiji established an ashram in Wardha was also donated by Jamna. Rahul Bajaj’s father Kamal Nayan also studied at this ashram. With the death of Jamnalal, Kamal Nayan was completely immersed in the business of Bajaj Company.
നൽകിയ Name given by Indira
Rahul’s father Kamal Nayan and Indira Gandhi were together during school days. It was Nehru who suggested the name Rahul, the son of Kamal Nai. In return for that love, Rahul Bajaj gave his son the same name as Rajiv Gandhi. Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi named their son Rahul and reiterated their love for Rahul Bajaj.
Rahul started his career working for Bajaj Electricals in Dispatch, Accounts and Marketing. With this work experience, Rahul later went on to study for an MBA at Harvard University. Rahul Bajaj is also the first Indian to win the Harvard Alumni Award for Excellence in Education.
English Summary: Former Chairman of Bajaj Auto Rahul Bajaj passes away at 83