Maharashtra: Industrialist and former chairman of Bajaj Auto Rahul Bajaj passed away on Saturday. A statement from the Bajaj Group read, “It is with deep sorrow that I inform you about the passing away of Shri Rahul Bajaj, husband of the late Rupa Bajaj and father of Rajiv/Deepa, Sanjiv/Shefali and Sunaina/Manish. He passed away on the afternoon of 12th February, 2022 in the presence of his closest family members.”
Reportedly, the industry veteran, 83 was not keeping well for some time and died at 2:30 pm this afternoon. His death was confirmed by Dr Parvez Grant, Chairman of Ruby Hall Clinic where he was being treated for cardiac and lung-related problems for the last one month. His funeral will be held tommorow with full state honours, Maharashtra CM said.
Bajaj took over the group in 1965 before stepping down as non-executive chairman of Bajaj Auto. He was also a Rajya Sabha Member from 2006 to 2010. Rahul Bajaj was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award, in 2001. Bajaj Auto was known as the affordable scooter which increased mobility among Indians during the 1980s.
He also served as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 1979 to 1980 and president of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He was appointed as Chairman of the erstwhile Indian Airlines from 1986-89 and became CII President for a second time during 1999-2000.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a twitter post recalled Rahul Bajaj’s contributions.