Mumbai: The Bajaj Group on Sunday marked 100 years of its journey from India’s freedom movement era to becoming one of the country’s largest conglomerates, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising the group’s contribution to nation-building, innovation and economic growth.
Founded in 1926 by freedom fighter and industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj, the group today has a market capitalisation of nearly USD 148 billion and serves one in three Indian households through its businesses spanning automobiles, financial services, consumer electricals and engineering.
In a message issued on the occasion, PM Modi said the Bajaj Group had played an important role in creating jobs, fostering innovation and supporting community development over the decades. He added that institutions like Bajaj would continue to play a key role in India’s journey towards becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
The centenary celebrations held in Mumbai were attended by industry leaders, political dignitaries, celebrities and members of the Bajaj family. The event highlighted the company’s evolution from its roots in the Swadeshi movement to becoming a globally recognised business group with exports to over 100 countries.
Speaking at the event, Bajaj Auto Chairman Niraj Bajaj said the story of Bajaj and India had always moved together, driven by the philosophy of self-reliance and nation-first growth envisioned by founder Jamnalal Bajaj.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, said the company had emerged as one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, with the Pulsar brand gaining global recognition and partnerships such as KTM showcasing India’s growing role in global manufacturing.
The event also featured a special performance by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej, the screening of a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and the unveiling of the “100 Years of Bajaj” commemorative logo.
The group said its social initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihoods and youth skilling have impacted over 10 million beneficiaries across India, with plans to further scale its “Bajaj Beyond” CSR initiative in the coming years.