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Rahul Bajaj
Known as the ‘ scooter man’ for
iconic Bajaj scooters, Rahul Bajaj
can well be credited for the way
the average Indian travel. From
the bulky scooters during the licenced raj
to the peppy motorcycles, Bajaj has ruled
Indian markets. At 75, Rahul Bajaj, chairman
of Bajaj Group is still overseeing the
growth of his company and its developments.
Though his diverse business is being
managed by his two sons and brothers,
he still keeps a tab on all crucial matters
relating to the company. Bajaj has been
a constant feature on Forbes India Rich
List. In 2013, he was ranked 20th and his
total wealth is estimated at $3.1 billion.
The Bajaj Group has 40 companies
across businesses such as two- and threewheelers,
insurance and steel; and it
employs more than 33,000 people. Now,
you can’t really argue with this kind of
success. Or that level of confidence.
He is recognized as one of the most
successful business leaders of India. He
holds an honours degree in Economics
from Delhi University, a degree in Law
from Bombay University and an MBA
from Harvard Business School. Bajaj has
received many prestigious awards and
recognitions, notable being the award
of ‘Padma Bhushan’ by the Government
of India in 2001, Alumni Achievement
Award by the Harvard Business School
and Life Time Achievement Awards
from Economic Times, Ernst & Young
and CNBC TV18. Mr. Bajaj was
appointed Knight in the Order of the
Legion of Honour by the President of the
French Republic. He has been conferred
Honorary Doctorates by 7 Universities
including IIT Roorkee.
He has seen ups and downs in his
business including separation of group
with his brother and so called differences
with his son, but that only made him
stronger. In an interview to a magazine
Parekh is the only lawyer in private
practice recognized by the Forbes list,
which also included U.S. Olympic gold
medalist Gabrielle Douglas, Pittsburgh
Penguins center Sidney Crosby,
Washington Redskins quarterback
Robert Griffin III and Miami Heat
forward LeBron James.
Rahul Babaj had dispelled the theory
that was not getting along with his son
and said that his son was brilliant and
exceptional and want to do business in
the modern way whereas he still prefer
the traditional route. So there is bound to
be a difference of opinion but that does
not mean that I interfere in his work
and stop him from doing what he wants.
“When I was young I did business the
way I felt a nd the same goes for my sons
as well.”
The success of Bajaj as a group is not
just because of our efforts in diversifying
but for me it is because our motto has
been ‘customer first’. In no product
of ours have we ignored customer
feedback or have not been able to match
their satisfaction. “ For me retaining
my customer is more important than
venturing out in a new area, he says”.
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