Rahul Bajaj no more: Padma Bhushan awardee & Ex-chairman of Bajaj Auto passes away at 83

Rahul Bajaj, a veteran industrialist and former chairman of Bajaj Auto, passed away at age of 83. In 1965, he took over Bajaj Group.  industrialist was suffering from pneumonia as well as a heart problem. A month ago, he was mitted to Ruby Hall Clinic.

Rahul stepped down as non-executive chairman of Bajaj Auto in April 2021, handing over reins to his cousin, Niraj Bajaj. In 2001, Rahul Bajaj received Pma Bhushan, third-highest civilian honour.  industrialist passed away at 2.30 pm today.

Bajaj Group released a statement confirming Rahul Bajaj's demise, "It is with deep sorrow that I inform you about passing away of Shri Rahul Bajaj, husband of late Rupa Bajaj and far of Rajiv/Deepa, Sanjiv/Shefali and Sunaina/Manish. He passed away on afternoon of 12th February, 2022 in presence of his closest family members," a statement from Bajaj Group re.

Rahul Bajaj received Pma Bhushan in 2001

Rahul Bajaj, who was born on June 10, 1938, was chairman of Bajaj Group for more than 40 years. Rahul Bajaj stepped down as chairman of Bajaj Auto in April of last year and was serving as  Chairman Emeritus of company. In 2001, Rahul Bajaj received Pma Bhushan, third-highest civilian honour. During 2006-2010 period, Bajaj was elected to Rajya Sabha, India's Upper House of Parliament. Rahul Bajaj stepped aside as managing director of Group in 2005, and his son Rajiv took over.

Nitin Gkari, Union Minister of Ro Transport and Highways, paid respect to renowned industrialist on his demise. After being translated, his tweet re "My heartfelt tributes to Rahul Bajaj ji, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and former chairman of Bajaj. I have h a personal relationship with Pma Bhushan awardee Rahul ji for many years."

In 1968, he became Chief Executive Officer of Bajaj Auto, and in 1972, he was promoted to Managing Director. From 1979 to 1980, he was President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). From 1986 to 1989, he served as Chairman of old Indian Airlines, and from 1999 to 2000, he served as President of CII for second time.