NE NEWS BUREAU
MUMBAI, MAY 14
In a landmark moment symbolising India’s own extraordinary economic transformation, the iconic Bajaj Group on Wednesday celebrated 100 years of business excellence, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluting the conglomerate’s inspiring journey “from the freedom movement to becoming a global economic force.”
One of India’s oldest family-led business empires and among the country’s largest conglomerates with a staggering market capitalisation of nearly US$148 billion, the Bajaj Group marked its centenary with tributes to its rich legacy of nation-building, entrepreneurship and social reform.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds Bajaj Group’s century-long contribution to India’s economic and social transformation
- Founded in 1926 by freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj, the conglomerate now touches one in every three Indian families
- Bajaj Group emerges as a US$148-billion market cap giant with presence across automobiles, finance, engineering and electronics
- Sanjiv Bajaj says India’s next growth story will be powered by youth, AI and financial inclusion
- Rajiv Bajaj declares Indian brands are no longer followers but global co-creators competing on the world stage
Founded in 1926 in Bombay by legendary industrialist, philanthropist and freedom fighter Jamnalal Bajaj — widely regarded as the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi — the group has evolved into a global powerhouse spanning over 100 companies with exports to more than 100 countries.
Today, the Bajaj Group reaches one in every three Indian households and employs more than 1.30 lakh people across sectors ranging from automobiles and financial services to consumer electronics and engineering. The conglomerate’s listed giants include Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Housing Finance, Bajaj Electricals and Mukand.
In a special message to the Bajaj family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the group’s resilience and enduring relevance across generations.
“Completing 100 years is a remarkable achievement 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,” the Prime Minister said while congratulating the conglomerate on its centenary milestone.
Delivering a powerful vision statement on “India and the Next 100 Years,” Sanjiv Bajaj said India’s future would be scripted by innovation, technology and the aspirations of its youth.
“My father Rahul Bajaj often spoke about the ‘Idea of India’ and his unwavering belief in the country’s diversity and entrepreneurial energy. The next chapter of India’s rise will be written by technology, innovation and most importantly by young Indians,” Sanjiv Bajaj said.
Highlighting the transformational role of Artificial Intelligence, he added that the group sees AI not merely as a technology trend but as a powerful enabler of financial inclusion and economic opportunity.
“For over a century, we have built businesses as platforms of hope, independence and entrepreneurship. When capability gets a platform, the entire nation moves forward,” he asserted.
Speaking on globalisation and India’s growing influence in international markets, Rajiv Bajaj said the group’s journey has become “a story of trust” rather than just growth.
“Today, Bajaj Auto is not only among India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers but also among the top three globally. Our vehicles are sold in more than 100 countries across Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia,” he noted.
Rajiv Bajaj said the globally successful Pulsar brand now competes shoulder-to-shoulder with international giants, while the company’s partnership with Austrian motorcycle major KTM demonstrated that Indian firms are no longer merely followers but co-creators of global brands.
“Today’s India is not just participating in the global economy — it is competing and leading,” he declared.
The centenary celebrations also come at a time when the Bajaj Group is preparing to expand into the healthcare sector, signalling yet another bold leap in its century-long journey of transformation and nation-building.
