New Delhi,
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condoled the demise of noted industrialist Rahul Bajaj. A Padma Bhushan awardee and former Rajya Sabha member Bajaj passed away at Pune on Saturday afternoon after prolonged illness. He was 83. "Saddened to learn of Shri Rahul Bajaj's demise. A doyen of Indian industry, he was passionate about its priorities. His career reflected the rise and innate strength of the nation's corporate sector. His death leaves a void in the world of industry.
My condolences to his family," President Kovind said. Prime Minister Modi expressed deep grief over the demise of Rahul Bajaj saying that the noted industrialist will be remembered for his contributions to the world of commerce and industry. "Shri Rahul Bajaj Ji will be remembered for his noteworthy contributions to the world of commerce and industry. Beyond business, he was passionate about community service and was a great conversationalist. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," Modi said in a tweet. Top corporates also paid rich tributes to Bajaj remembering his outspoken nature, intellectual honesty and straightforwardness. Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, Raymond Ltd said that passing away of Rahul Bajaj is a terrible loss to the corporate world.
“The doyen of the Indian business world will be missed for his intellectual honesty and straightforwardness. His contribution to the auto industry and steering the group during the license raj days will always be remembered. In immeasurable manner he has contributed to the growth of Maharashtra and the country. On behalf of the Raymond Group I offer my sincere condolences to the Bajaj family,” he said. Under Rahul Bajaj's leadership, Bajaj brand became a household name in India. Bajaj scooters were once seen as a symbol of prosperity for a large number of Indian middle class. In his tribute, CII President TV Narendran said that Bajaj remained a steadfast mentor for the industry through the time of profound changes in the global and Indian economy, speaking for the highest standards of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility. "His demise is a deep loss to Indian industry as he was our mentor, guide and lodestone in doing business.
I am sure that the ideas that he propounded for good corporate citizenship will stand as a role model and paradigm for industry to continue to follow in his steps,” said Narendran. Rahul Bajaj was born on June 10, 1938 and was recipient of many awards. He was former chairman of the International Business Council, World Economic Forum; former member of the South Asia advisory board of Harvard Business School and a former member of the International Advisory Council of the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. “Rahul tauji was a worthy successor of a glorious business family.
He was a mix of conservatism and modernity. Bajaj name was already national, he made it global! He always spoke his mind with candour. That added aura to his personality. The business world will miss this rare quality," said Kushagra N Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Group. Rich tributes poured in for Rahul Bajaj from top businessmen and leaders across political parties.