Rahul Bajaj, veteran industrialist and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83. Bajaj passed away at a private hospital in Pune at 2.30pm.
In his condolence message, Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said Bajaj will be cremated with full state honours, while adding the country lost a nationalist industrialist with his passing away. "The last rites on him will be performed in full state honors," the CM said in his message.
According to officials of the Bajaj group, the funeral will take place on Sunday in Pune. Bajaj's mortal remains will be brought to Akurdi plant on Sunday at 11.30am for darshan. Cremation will take place at 4.30pm in Vaikunth crematorium in the city, company officials said
Bajaj undergoing treatment for cardiac and lung-related problems for the last one month, said Dr Parvez Grant, chairman, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
Also read | ‘A doyen of Indian industry’: Politicians, industrialists remember Rahul Bajaj
President Ram Nath Kovind said, "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.
Earlier, sharing the news on Twitter, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said they shared a personal relationship for many years.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, sharing the news on Twitter, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said they shared a personal relationship for many years.
{{/usCountry}}The former Bajaj Auto chairman was currently the emeritus of the Bajaj Group conglomerate. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001.
“My heartfelt tribute to Rahul Bajaj, a renowned entrepreneur, social worker and former chairman of the Bajaj (Group). I have had a personal relationship with Padma Bhushan recipient Rahul ji for many years,” Gadkari wrote in Hindi.
Sharing his grief, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar said he lost a close friend, while the country lost an industrialist, a philanthropist and a lighthouse for young entrepreneurs.
"I am deeply shocked to learn about the sad demise of Padma Bhushan Shri Rahul Bajaj! The grandson of eminent freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj brought transformation in society especially in poor and middle-class people with his two-wheel technology - a Bajaj Bike!
“The affordable vehicle increased mobility, eased struggle for getting means of livelihood and became the tool of socio-economic change! We Indian are deeply indebted for his immense contribution to the industry,” Pawar further wrote on Twitter.