Rahul Bajaj, a prominent Indian businessman and leader, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that is deeply intertwined with the country’s economic landscape. His life story, as chronicled in the biography “Rahul Bajaj, Ek Bemisal Zindagi” by Geeta Piramal, highlights his upbringing in a family with strong ties to Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian independence movement, which shaped his values and business practices. Under his leadership, Bajaj Auto, India’s largest two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer, achieved great success, becoming the world’s fourth largest manufacturer in its category.
The biography sheds light on pivotal moments, including the rebranding of Bajaj scooters after ending its partnership with Piaggio, a move that proved successful due to the brand’s strong reputation and a 10-year waiting list for their scooters. The Bajaj Chetak, named after the legendary steed of Maharana Pratap Singh, became an iconic symbol of middle-class India, known for its affordability, reliability, and status symbol. Although it was discontinued in 2005 due to the company’s failure to recognize the shift towards motorcycles in the late 1990s, Bajaj Auto continued to thrive, ending 2021 with a market capitalization of Rs 1,00,670.76 crore (approximately $13.6 billion).
A testament to the company’s ability to adapt and innovate, Bajaj Auto revived the Chetak in 2019 as an electric scooter. Rahul Bajaj’s life story is a testament to his business acumen and the enduring legacy of a brand that has become synonymous with Indian mobility. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of business leaders.