Mumbai, May 11: The Bajaj Group, one of India’s oldest family businesses and among its largest conglomerates by market cap at $USD 148 billion, today commemorated 100 years in business – with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extending his greetings on a milestone that traces India’s own arc – from the freedom movement to its global economic rise.
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 Kej and his troupe, the screening of ‘Kathni Karni Eksi’, a film on 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 say and what we do must 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 countriesin 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 innovation can 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: “Jamnalalji believed 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 ensuring that 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 learned and 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 firmly believe 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 platforms built to offer hope, freedom, and entrepreneurship. We believe that when potential is given 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 marriage and 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 c
