Mumbai, May 2026.
Founded in 1926 in Mumbai (then-Bombay)by
Jamnalal Bajaj, a freedom fighter, social reformer, philanthropist,
industrialist and considered the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi, the Bajaj
Group serves one in three Indian households and employs over 130,000 employees.
With over 100 companies, exports to over
100 countries, and an upcoming foray into healthcare, the Bajaj Group has built
one of India’s most trusted brands across automobiles, financial services,
consumer electronics and engineering.Some of its listed companies include Bajaj
Auto, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Holdings & Investment, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj
Housing Finance, Bajaj Electricals and Mukand.
In a message to the Bajaj family
recognising the Bajaj Group’s contributions to nation-building,Hon’ble
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, said, “On the occasion of the
centenary of the Bajaj Group, I extend my greetings and best wishes to everyone
associated with this milestone. A hundred years is a significant journey for
any institution. It reflects not only longevity, but also the ability to adapt
to changing times, contribute to economic growth and remain relevant across
generations.
“Started under the leadership of Shri
Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group has been a part of India’s industrial and
economic landscape through many phases of our nation’s development. It has
grown into a diversified company with operations across various sectors, which
serve customers both in India and across the world.
“Over the decades, the Bajaj Group has
played an important role in nation-building by creating jobs, fostering
innovation and supporting community development. Milestones such as this are an
opportunity to reflect on key contributions, as well as to renew commitment
towards growth, sustainability and inclusive progress.
“India is moving forward with new
aspirations in manufacturing, innovation and global competitiveness.
Institutions with deep roots and experience such as the Bajaj Group have an
important role to play in shaping the journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Greetings to everyone at the Bajaj Group
once again on this memorable occasion. I am confident that the years ahead will
be about continued progress and meaningful contributions to the nation’s
development.”
The Bajaj Group’s social impact efforts,
focused on youth skilling and employment, child health, education and
protection, have positively impacted the lives of over 10 million
beneficiaries.
The centenary celebration at the
National Sports Club of India, Mumbai, brought together family members,
captains of industry, Union and State Ministers, political leaders, celebrities
and partners. The evening traced the family’s journey, from its role in India’s
freedom struggle, through the shift from trading to manufacturing and financial
services, to new-age technologies that its businesses lead today.
Highlights included addresses by the
Bajaj family, a specially composed live performance by Grammy award winner and
globally acclaimed composer Ricky Kejand his troupe, thescreening of ‘KathniKarniEksi’,
a filmon Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and
the unveiling of the ‘100 years of Bajaj’ logo.
Speaking on the occasion:
Niraj
Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto, in his address themed ‘India and Bajaj’, said:
“As a family, we thank our Hon’ble Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his wishes and encouraging words. The story of
Bajaj and the story of India have never really been separate. India’s journey
towards self-reliance did not begin recently. It began nearly a century ago —
when visionary Indians believed that
Bharat must build for itself, produce
for itself, and stand on its own feet. One of those pioneers was Jamnalalji —
our founder.His philosophy of ‘common good over individual gain’ shaped our decisions
across generations. His spouse, Jankideviji Bajaj, was India’s first lady
recipient of the Padma Vibhushan. Jamnalalji’s philosophy was taken forward
successfully by his sons Kamalnayan Bajaj and Ramkrishna Bajaj, both brought up
under the eye of Mahatma Gandhi, during their formative years. Thereafter,
Rahul Bajaj, a giant among corporate leaders, established a result oriented yet
human, ambitious yet honest, organization. As industries grew and capabilities
expanded, one thought remained constant: Build in India. Build for India. And
build India.”
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj
Auto, in his address themed ‘Globalisation’ said:
“What we sayand what we domust always
be the same.And perhaps that is why the Bajaj journey did not become just a
story of growth. It became a story of trust.Today, Bajaj Auto is not just
one of India’s largest two-wheeler companies.It is among the top three
globally.Our vehicles are sold in over 100 countries in Africa, Latin America
and Southeast Asia. The Pulsar brand today stands with global players,
not behind them.And when we partnered with KTM, an iconic Austrian
motorcycle company —
it was not just a business deal. This shows that an Indian company is not just
a follower, it is a co-creator of global brands. It also proves that legacy and
innovationcan walk together. Today’s India does not only participate, but it
also competes in the global economy.”
Nirav Bajaj, CEO, Bajaj Integrated
Health System, in his address themed ‘Inclusive Development’ said:
“Jamnalaljibelieved that business was
not separate from society. He said business should be pursued with a view to
benefit the poor. Within the family, we often say that society must profit from
profit itself. That has meant ensuringthat growth reaches even the poorest of
the poor.Bajaj Beyond, our CSR initiative, is the next expression of a 100-year
philosophy.An effort to take everything we have learnedand build models that
can scale across India.Across education, livelihoods and sustainability, with a
clear ambition to enable and impact over 2 crore young Indians in the next five
years.Because if the first 100 years were about building institutions, the next
100 will be about building ecosystems.”
Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director,
Bajaj Finserv, in his address themed ‘India and the Next 100’ said:
“My father Rahul Bajaj would often say -
I firmlybelieve in the ‘Idea of India’, in our country’s diversity and in its
enterprising youth.The next chapter of India’s rise will be written by
technology and innovation, and most importantly by the youth.At Bajaj, we don’t
see AI only as a technology trend.We see it as a powerful force that will
further financial inclusion. Because access to finance
actually means access to opportunity.For
over a century, we have viewed our businesses through this same lens: as
platformsbuilt to offer hope, freedom, and entrepreneurship. We believe that
when potential isgiven a stage, the entire country moves forward.”
Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman &Managing
Director, Bajaj Electricals, in his address on Jamnalal Bajaj’s values and the
social impact he created, said:
“Jamnalalji’s work spanned social
equity, education for women and children, rural upliftment, promotion of khadi,
abolition of purdah, dowry, child marriageand whole-hearted participation in
the freedom movement. Should success be
measured only in numbers and scale? Or in lives touched, values upheld, and
communities strengthened. As we step into the next 100 years of Bajaj perhaps
the answer to that question will define the institution we continue to build.”