From India’s freedom movement to becoming a global industrial powerhouse, the century-long journey of the Bajaj Group was celebrated in Mumbai with tributes pouring in from political leaders, industry veterans and the Bajaj family itself, all underlining the conglomerate’s enduring role in shaping India’s economic story.
The diversified group, valued at nearly $148 billion by market capitalisation, commemorated 100 years in business with a grand centenary celebration at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai. The event brought together Union and State Ministers, business leaders, celebrities and long-time partners of the group.
Founded in 1926 by freedom fighter, philanthropist and industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj, the Bajaj Group today spans over 100 companies across automobiles, financial services, engineering and consumer products, while serving one in three Indian households and employing more than 130,000 people globally.
From freedom struggle to global enterprise
Addressing the gathering, Bajaj Auto Chairman Niraj Bajaj drew parallels between India’s rise and the growth of the Bajaj Group.
“The story of Bajaj and the story of India have never really been separate,” he said, recalling how Jamnalal Bajaj championed self-reliance decades before it became a national economic agenda.
He highlighted the values passed down generations — from Jamnalal Bajaj to Kamalnayan Bajaj, Ramkrishna Bajaj and later Rahul Bajaj — saying the group consistently remained committed to the philosophy of “Build in India. Build for India. And build India.”
Niraj Bajaj also paid tribute to Jankidevi Bajaj, India’s first woman recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, for her social contributions.
Rajiv Bajaj highlights global ambitions
Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj spoke about the company’s transformation into a globally recognised mobility brand.
“What we say and what we do must always be the same,” he said, adding that Bajaj’s growth story eventually became “a story of trust.”
He noted that Bajaj Auto is now among the world’s top three two-wheeler manufacturers, with exports to more than 100 countries across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Referring to the company’s partnership with Austrian motorcycle brand KTM, Rajiv Bajaj said the collaboration demonstrated that Indian companies are no longer merely followers in the global economy but “co-creators of global brands.”
Social impact takes centre stage
Speaking on inclusive development, Bajaj Integrated Health System CEO Nirav Bajaj said the group’s philosophy has always been rooted in social responsibility.
“Society must profit from profit itself,” he said, while outlining the ambitions of the group’s CSR initiative, Bajaj Beyond.
The initiative aims to impact over two crore young Indians over the next five years through programmes focused on education, livelihoods and sustainability.
The Bajaj Group said its social impact initiatives have already benefited more than 10 million people through efforts in youth skilling, employment, healthcare and child welfare.
AI, innovation and the next 100 years
Bajaj Finserv Chairman & Managing Director Sanjiv Bajaj said the next phase of India’s growth would be driven by innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.
Quoting Rahul Bajaj’s belief in the “Idea of India”, he said the country’s diversity and enterprising youth would shape the future.
“At Bajaj, we don’t see AI only as a technology trend. We see it as a powerful force that will further financial inclusion,” Sanjiv Bajaj said, adding that access to finance ultimately creates access to opportunity.
Jamnalal Bajaj’s values continue to guide group
Bajaj Electricals Chairman & Managing Director Shekhar Bajaj reflected on Jamnalal Bajaj’s social reform legacy, which extended beyond business into women’s education, rural upliftment and participation in India’s freedom movement.
“Should success be measured only in numbers and scale? Or in lives touched, values upheld, and communities strengthened?” he asked, saying the answer would define the institution Bajaj continues to build over the next century.
Music, cinema and a tribute to legacy
The centenary celebration also featured a specially composed live performance by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej and the screening of Kathni Karni Eksi, a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of the ‘100 Years of Bajaj’ logo, a symbolic marker of a conglomerate that has journeyed alongside India for a century and is now positioning itself for its next phase of growth, including an upcoming entry into healthcare.