At his death, Twitter recalled some of Rahul Bajaj's strongest and bravest moments. He was the former chairman of Bajaj Auto and currently emeritus of the Bajaj Group conglomerate.
Born on June 10, 1938, Rahul Bajaj used to head Bajaj Group of companies. He held a Bachelors degree in economics, a law degree from Mumbai University and an MBA from Harvard. Bajaj was a former member of the Rajya Sabha. Besides, he had been the chairman of the International Business Council, World Economic Forum.
Bajaj 'spoke truth to power'
On Twitter, Bajaj has been remembered for his bold and fearless approach and speaking truth to power. Several industrialists mentioned these qualities as they mourned his passing on Twitter.
A Twitter user posted a tweet which has garnered several retweets. In 2019, Bajaj asked a question about the prevalence of an environment in the country where no one can criticise the government openly. He asked this question at a publication's private event to Home Minister Amit Shah.
Bajaj told Shah that people feared criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration for fear of reprisals.
"This atmosphere... it is certainly on our minds. Nobody will say...our industrialist friends will not say it. I will say that openly. An environment should be created. You are going good work but if we criticise you there is no confidence that you will appreciate that. I may be wrong. But we all feel that..." the businessman said, adding, "I can't speak for everybody... I shouldn't say this...In UPA 2 we could criticise anyone..."
The Home Minister denied the allegations there was an atmosphere of fear in the country.
Industrialists recall 'fearless' businessman
Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enteprises described the passing away of Bajaj as the cracking of the 'spine' of India's business.
Uday Kotak, CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, described Bajaj as 'bold and fearless' and recalled him as the man who spoke truth to power.
Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar Shaw was 'devastated' at the death of 'dear friend'.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group thanked Bajaj for advising and cheering him on. He said, "Your footprints on the sands of Indian Business will never be extinguished."
Industrialist who stood tall
Some people on Twitter referred to Bajaj as the industrialist who stood tall and remarked that he was the man with a '56 inch chest'.
