Rahul Bajaj, veteran industrialist, Padma Bhushan awardee and former chairman of Bajaj Auto passed away at the age of 83 in Pune on Saturday, 12 February.
After taking over the Bajaj Group in 1965, he stepped down as the non-executive director and chairman of the company in April 2021. The company said that he had retired due to age.
Bajaj is a former member of the Rajya Sabha, former chairman of Indian Airlines, and former chairman of the board of governors of the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Besides heading Bajaj Auto, he also spearheaded the CSR activities of the Bajaj Group of companies and charitable trusts, including the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation.
In a statement last year, the company had said, "Shri Rahul Bajaj has made a huge contribution to the success of the Company and the Group over the last five decades. Considering his tremendous experience and in the interest of the Company and to continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and wisdom from time to time in an advisory role and as a mentor, the Board of Directors at its meeting held today and as recommended by Nomination and Remuneration Committee has approved the appointment of Shri Rahul Bajaj as Chairman Emeritus of the Company for a term of five years with effect from 1 May 2021."
'Outspoken Industrialist, Philanthropist': Tributes Pour In
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari paid tribute to Bajaj on Twitter, saying that he was a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, with whom he had shared a personal relationship.
P Chidambaram, former finance minister, referred to him as a far sighted and outspoken business leader.
Milind Deora, former minister, Communications and Shipping, called Bajaj, 'India's most outspoken industrialist,' while paying his condolences to his family.
Amitabh Kant, CEO Niti Aayog, called him the 'pillar of the auto industry' while paying his tribute.
Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said that Bajaj had influenced the Indian entrepreneurial world for over five decades.
(With inputs from The Indian Express)
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