Pune: Veteran industrialist Rahul Bajaj, synonymous with Bajaj Auto, died today in Pune. He was 83. He passed away at a private hospital.
A statement from the Bajaj Group said that the industrialist died in the “presence of his closest family members”.
The industry veteran was not keeping well for some time and died at 14:30 hours this afternoon, said an official. His funeral will be held tomorrow.
Rahul Bajaj had resigned as Bajaj Auto Chairman in April last year. However, he was appointed as firm’s Chairman Emeritus for five years.
One of the most famous taglines in the Indian corporate ad industry has been “you just can’t beat a Bajaj” and the “Hamara Bajaj” for the company’s iconic two-wheeler.
As the news of industrialist’s death spread, tributes started pouring in.
“My heartfelt tributes to Rahul Bajaj ji, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and former chairman of Bajaj. I had a personal relationship with Padma Bhushan awardee Rahul ji for many years. Rahul ji, who has led the Bajaj Group for the last five decades, has been instrumental in the industry. May God rest the departed soul and give strength to the family members. Om Shanti,” tweeted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Sharing his grief, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar said he lost a close friend, while the country lost an industrialist, a philanthropist and 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!
“The affordable vehicle increased mobility, eased struggle for getting means of livelihood and became the tool of socio-economic change! We Indian are deeply indebted for his immense contribution to the industry,” Pawar further wrote on Twitter.
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