New Delhi: Veteran industrialist and former Chairman of Bajaj Auto, Rahul Bajaj, passed away on Saturday in Pune after prolonged illness. He was 83.
A Padma Bhushan awardee and former Rajya Sabha member Bajaj led the business group for decades. Top captains of India Inc, as well as senior political leaders from across the parties, condoled the demise of Bajaj.
“Industrialist Rahul Bajaj, Former Chairman Of Bajaj Group, Dies At 83 – I am devastated – he was a dear dear friend and will miss him dearly. The country has lost a great son & nation builder. Om Shanthi,” tweeted Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.
“The ‘spine’ of Indian business cracks. A close family friend, he was a visionary, straight talking and very respected for his value systems. An era ends! He leaves behind the two most capable sons in Indian industry, Rajiv and Sanjiv. #RahulBajaj Om shanti,” said Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises.
In his tribute to Bajaj, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the former Bajaj Chairman was a great philanthropist.
“Hard to come to grips with the news that India’s most outspoken industrialist, Rahul Bajaj is no more.
“Many of us knew of Rahul uncle’s health was deteriorating but the news of his passing comes as a shock. Deepest condolences to Sunaina & Manish Kejriwal, Rajiv & Sanjiv Bajaj,” wrote Milind Deora, former Minister in the UPA government.
Rahul Bajaj was born on June 10, 1938 and was the recipient of many awards. He was also a former chairman of the International Business Council, World Economic Forum; former member of the South Asia advisory board of Harvard Business School and a former member of the International Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.
