Iconic industrialist and former Chairman-Bajaj group, former parliamentarian and Padma Bhushan recipient, the late Rahul Bajaj inspired many people in his lifetime. And chronicling his awe-inspiring life, author Gita Piramal has now penned his authorized biography 'Rahul Bajaj: An Extraordinary Life' which was published by Penguin Random House on March 21, 2022. In the book, Piramal chronicles India's transformation through the life story of the late Bajaj, who is considered one of the most successful business leaders in the country. But regardless of his public image he was a humble person in real-life, recalls his family and friends. Read this exclusive excerpt to get a glimpse of Padma Bhushan Rahul Bajaj and the man that he was.
This excerpt is published with permission from Penguin Random House.
'Rahul Bajaj: An Extraordinary Life' by Gita Piramal
Aryaman’s Nana
The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Rahul Nana is his wit. He is sharp as a tack and always hits you with a playful comment or a well-thought-out argument whenever you try and refute him. He never fails to provide deep insights into almost any topic you talk to him about. But these are things everyone knows.
Nana has a keen sense of humour. He will never let an opportunity to poke fun at you pass by. He brightens the mood wherever he goes. But these are things everyone knows.
Nana will always speak his mind. He never holds back and doesn’t know his limits, something that I’m sure has dismayed many people in the past. I think it’s one of his finest qualities. But these are things everyone knows.
You might wonder, then, what are these mysterious qualities that not everyone knows? It’s his intense love for family that no one talks about. He is just as devoted to us as he was to his career. I spent a week in Pune with him while interning at Bajaj Auto in 2019. It was then that I discovered the softer side of Mr Rahul Bajaj.
We spent every evening together and enjoyed watching Jason Bourne movies. We ate chola-bhatura and pizza for dinner. We spent hours talking about his childhood and his journey through Cathedral, the school I currently study at.
Nana is truly a unique individual. I know he is always there for me whether I need counselling or consoling. I could never hope for a better grandfather.
Kiran’s Test of Time
‘I was eighteen years old and fortunate to get a grand tour of the Bajaj Auto factory, Pune, riding pillion with the chief himself! As we zipped in and around the premises on a Bajaj scooter, I got a glimpse of who he really was,’ remembers Kiran. ‘He knew each and every nook and cranny, every aspect of the operation; he even knew the names of his factory workers. In spite of being a busy man, he had the time and patience to explain the business to me, a mere novice and new addition to his family. Success came not from spending time in swanky offices and sporting top-end brands: he was on the factory floor at the crack of dawn, late until evening. He visited his office and talked to his staff. He was in the centre of all the action. You could say he lived and breathed his work.
‘Rahul bhaiya is transparent, gifted with foresight, and the cherry on top is his ability to connect with all his people. He has an analytical mind and always looks at a situation or problem in great detail from every angle before coming to any conclusions. As a result, his decisions are well balanced and rational. Some of our family members owe much to him for helping them out in difficult situations with his impartial and logical thought process.
‘Coming from a very different work culture in Calcutta, I was impressed and influenced by his approach. When I got an opportunity to run Hind Musafir Travel Agency, I tried to emulate him and so, inadvertently, he became my first management guru and my mentor. Rahul bhaiya taught me by example to never to be afraid to speak the truth. “If you are right, you can be bold”!
‘At home, he is always very disciplined. There is no room for negotiation. He follows the same rules he set for his children when they were young. He still lives an uncomplicated life. He doesn’t believe in buying extravagant gifts nor does he expect anything from others.
‘At work, he makes sure his managers refrain from accepting favours that would compromise their integrity. Yes, he is strict from the beginning, but his stringent methods helped build his reputation as a truthful, courageous, and fair leader.
‘Some have commented on his apparent tightfistedness, his inclination to play safe rather than take huge risks. Some also say his style is more managerial than entrepreneurial. Well, to them I can say— Rahul Bajaj has stood the test of time. He has the fortunate combination of his mother Savitri Bajaj’s discipline and father Kamalnayan Bajaj’s patriotic principles and business acumen. Even today, he stands tall on this very robust foundation and guides us all. Once I asked him what his favourite pastime was. His response? My work is my hobby!’
Kriti’s Tauji
The first thing I think of when it comes to Rahul Tauji, is amazement. I am constantly amazed by his intellect, his attention to detail, his obsession with the truth, his many business achievements, and alongside that, such a deep affection for his family and zest for life with his endless arsenal of witty comments for any situation.
Even though I am his youngest niece, he will make sure to ask me hundreds of questions about my life. And then somehow remember all my answers! I have no clue how he has the time or the brain space to make me feel so important. If I am in Pune, he is never too busy to sit with me and chat, making sure I am taken care of properly to the point where he will even know exactly what I have eaten for every single meal while I am in his home.
At the same time, he will always challenge me. He insists on being true to oneself, when it comes to himself, or anyone else. If I try to deny something about myself, or make excuses, he will always catch it. He will insist that I face reality. And while the truth is often harsh to accept in the moment, I have always found myself making an effort to grow and improve after every one of these conversations with him. He always strives to help people around him to be the best that they can be. And I often find myself looking back on these more difficult interactions with gratitude.
Tauji is also first in line to congratulate me on any milestone or achievement, no matter how small. He even flew all the way to California for my college graduation! He shows as much pride and joy towards me as he does for any of his own children. And takes the time to make me truly feel like a part of his family.
Ultimately, he is someone who I have no choice but to admire and respect, not because he has asked me to, but because he has earned every bit of it.
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