'Doyen Of Indian Industry': PM, President & Corporates Mourn Death Of Bajaj Group Head Rahul Bajaj

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his condolences and stated that Bajaj was enthusiastic about his goals.

Rahul Bajaj. (Source: Getty Images)

New Delhi: Rahul Bajaj, a prominent entrepreneur and former chairman of the Bajaj Group, died on Saturday at his home in Pune after a prolonged illness. 

Dr Parvez Grant, Chairman of Ruby Hall Clinic, confirmed the news, saying Rahul Bajaj died at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune at 2:30 PM after being treated for heart and pulmonary ailments for the previous month.

According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the burial of Padma Bhushan-awardee businessman Rahul Bajaj would be conducted on Sunday with full state honours.

Rajiv Bajaj and Sanjiv Bajaj are his sons, while Sunaina Kejriwal is his daughter.

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his condolences and stated that Bajaj was enthusiastic about his goals. "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," President Kovind tweeted.

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.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 12, 2022

PM Modi extended his condolences, saying Rahul Bajaj would be remembered for his significant contributions to trade and industry.

“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," PM Modi 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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2022

Expressing grief at the passing away of Rahul Bajaj, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General,  CII,  said, "He has been like a father figure to all of us at CII. Not only guided us on all matters but well protected us on so many issues. His leadership was available for just everything for us. His advice on all critical matters was always available and helped us make the most important decisions at the institution. For him it was always the country first - a principle we applied to all our policy advocacy. He was the only person to be CII’s President for two terms in 1979/80 and in 1999/2000. His mentorship would be deeply missed by all at the Industry and CII"

Here's how other political and business leaders reacted:

देश के मशहूर उद्योगपति राहुल बजाज जी के निधन की बेहद दुखद ख़बर मिली। आर्थिक मोर्चे पर देश की प्रगति में उनका बड़ा योगदान रहा। ‘बुलंद भारत की बुलंद आवाज़’ हर घर का हिस्सा बनी। ऐसी महान शख़्सियत को मेरी भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजलि।

प्रभु दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में स्थान दें।

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 12, 2022

I am grieved with a passing away of my very close friend. India has lost an industrialist, a philanthropist and a lighthouse for young entrepreneurs! Hamara Bajaj

— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) February 12, 2022

Rahul Bajaj’s passing is a big loss to India. We have lost a visionary whose courage made us proud.

My love and condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/SnWJpYDV85

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 12, 2022

Rahul Bajaj: bold and fearless. A rare businessman who spoke truth to power. A proud Indian. Built world class enterprise. I am truly honoured to know him. Will miss him. pic.twitter.com/UpVMh0z7R1

— Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) February 12, 2022

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 🙏 https://t.co/s8kpQ3dUia

— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) February 12, 2022

Rahul Bajaj was the one who put average Indians on two motorised wheels.

In his passing away, we have lost a far sighted and outspoken business leader.

My sincere condolences to his family and numerous members of the Bajaj family and Bajaj group of business.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) February 12, 2022

A stalwart of Indian industry passes away. Shri. #RahulBajaj was passionate about his work. He spoke for the entire industry and mentored many budding entrepreneurs.
Condolences to his family and friends.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 12, 2022

Rahul Bajaj: Personal Profile

Rahul Bajaj, who was born on June 10, 1938, was the chairman of the Bajaj Group of Companies, which operates in a variety of industries including automobiles, general and life insurance, investment and consumer finance, home appliances, electric lamps, wind energy, special alloy and stainless steel, material handling equipment, and travel.

Rahul Bajaj guided the Bajaj group's company to success after taking over in 1965. He led the diversified entity through India's transition from a closed to a liberalised economy, driving the company to broaden its product portfolio with the Bajaj brand gaining a foothold in global markets while fending off emerging competition from Japanese motorcycle makers that challenged Bajaj Auto's scooters.