Journalism of Courage
Veteran industrialist and head of the Bajaj group, Rahul Bajaj, was laid to rest on Sunday. His mortal remains were kept at the Akurdi Plant of the company for people to pay their last respects.
Bajaj was the Chairman of the industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for two terms—1979-80 and 1999-2000.
A number of workers of Akurdi Bajaj plant had lined up to pay their respects.
As head of the Bajaj group of companies, Rahul Bajaj oversaw group activities, including manufacture and sale of motorised two, three, and four-wheeled vehicles, general and life insurance, investment and consumer finance, home appliances, electric lamps, wind energy, special alloy and stainless steel, material handling equipment and travel.
Bajaj received many awards, including the Padma Bhushan from the government of India and honorary doctorates from many universities. Bajaj was a member of the Rajya Sabha for the 2006-2010 period.
Dr Ashok Bhanage, a neurosurgeon who had operated on him three years ago for a blood clot, said a cardiac failure a few months ago had badly affected his lungs, and that he was in and out of hospital for the last six months.
Rahul Bajaj was accorded a state funeral.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and B S Koshiayri condoled Rahul Bajaj's death and said that his contribution in the field of industrial development in the country was unparalleled.
Bajaj also spearheaded the CSR activities of the Bajaj group of companies and charitable trusts, including Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation.
