Section 34
Jamnalal Bajaj
Founder of the Bajaj Group who ran business as a trust and funded the freedom movement. (Bajaj Group)
- life
- 1889–1942
- era
- Before Independence
- ₹25 lakh
- Recorded charitable gifts (nearly) · 1942
The story
Jamnalal Bajaj was born on 4 November 1889 in a village in Sikar. At four he was adopted by Seth Bachhraj, a merchant of Wardha, and grew up in a cotton-trading and money-lending business.
He met Mahatma Gandhi after Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and became one of his closest followers. In 1920 he chaired the reception committee of the Nagpur Congress and was elected treasurer of the Congress. In 1921 he gave up his British title of Rai Bahadur.
He tried to run business on Gandhi's idea of trusteeship: wealth held for the good of society. His recorded gifts came to nearly Rs 25 lakh. In 1936 he set up Gandhi's home at Sevagram, near Wardha.
He died on 11 February 1942. His son Kamalnayan Bajaj took over the businesses, which grew into today's Bajaj Group.
Timeline
- 1915Begins his long association with Gandhi.
- 1920Chairs the Nagpur Congress reception committee; elected Congress treasurer.
- 1921Gives up the title of Rai Bahadur.
- 1936Sets up Gandhi's residence at Sevagram.
- 1942Dies; Kamalnayan Bajaj takes over the businesses.