Section 34
Rahul Bajaj
Made Bajaj scooters a household name and grew Bajaj Auto's turnover from Rs 7.2 crore to Rs 12,000 crore. (Bajaj Auto)
- life
- 1938–2022
- era
- 1947 to 1991
- ₹7.2 crore
- Bajaj Auto turnover at the start of his leadership · 1965
- ₹12,000 crore
- Bajaj Auto turnover under his leadership (later) · 2022
The story
Rahul Bajaj, grandson of Jamnalal Bajaj, was born on 10 June 1938. He studied economics at Delhi University, law at Mumbai University and took an MBA from Harvard Business School.
He took charge of the Bajaj group business in 1965. The Bajaj Chetak scooter became a symbol of hope for middle-class families, and the 'Hamara Bajaj' advertising tune became famous.
When Japanese motorcycle makers arrived, he fought back with new products. Under him, Bajaj Auto's turnover grew from Rs 7.2 crore to Rs 12,000 crore.
He received the Padma Bhushan in 2001, served in the Rajya Sabha, stepped down as chairman in April 2021, and died in Pune on 12 February 2022.
Timeline
- 1965Takes charge of the Bajaj group business.
- 2001Receives the Padma Bhushan.
- 2005Begins handing over day-to-day charge to his sons.
- 2021Steps down as chairman of Bajaj Auto in April; becomes chairman emeritus.
- 2022Dies in Pune on 12 February.