Industrialist Rahul Bajaj passes away at 83

MUMBAI, FEB 12: Former chairman of the Bajaj Group Rahul Bajaj died in Pune on Saturday, a company official said. He was 83.

Bajaj had been admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic hospital in Pune. He died around 2.30 pm, the official said.

The last rites will be held on Sunday. Bajaj is survived by two sons, Rajiv Bajaj and Sanjiv Bajaj; and daughter Sunaina Kejriwal.

He resigned from his position of non-executive director and chairman at Bajaj Auto on April 30 last year.

Dr Parvez Grant, chief cardiologist and managing trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, said he was admitted to the hospital for the last month. “He died due to age-related and heart- and lung-related ailments,” Grant added.

Meanwhile, NCP chief Sharad Pawar remembered former chairman of the Bajaj Group as a philanthropist who was like a “lighthouse” for young entrepreneurs.

“I am deeply shocked to learn about the sad demise of Padma Bhushan Shri Rahul Bajaj! The grandson of eminent freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj brought transformation in society especially in poor and middle-class people with his two-wheel technology – a Bajaj Bike!,” Pawar tweeted.

Pawar said he was grieved with the passing of his very close friend. “India has lost an industrialist, a philanthropist and a lighthouse for young entrepreneurs! Hamara Bajaj,” Pawar said.

The affordable vehicle increased mobility, eased the struggle for getting means of livelihood and became the tool of socio-economic change, he added.

“We Indians are deeply indebted for his immense contribution to the industry,” he said.

-PTI