Jamnalal Bajaj

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Jamnalal Bajaj

Jamnalal Bajaj

Born

November 4, 1884 Kashi Ka Bas, near Sikar, British India

Died

11 February 1942 (aged 57) Wardha

Occupation

Social Worker, Political Leader, Freedom fighter, Industrialist

Religion

Hindu

Spouse

Jankidevi

Children

Kamlabai, Kamalnayan, Uma, Ramkrishna, Madalsa

Parents

Kaniram and Birdibai

Jamnalal Bajaj (4 November 1884 11 February 1942) was an Indian industrialist, a philanthropist, and Indian independence fighter. He was also a close associate and follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi is known to have adopted him as his son. Several institutions in India bears his name, including the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. He founded the Bajaj group of companies in the 30s. The group now has 24 companies, including 6 listed companies. Besides Bajaj Auto Ltd, the other major companies in the group include Mukand Ltd, Bajaj Electricals Ltd and Bajaj Hindustan Ltd. One of his grandsons, Rahul Bajaj, runs the family flagship company, Bajaj Auto. A locality, JB Nagar,in the sub-urban Andheri in Mumbai has been named after him.

Contents
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1 Early years 2 An Honorary Magistrate 3 Follower of Gandhi 4 Freedom struggle 5 Social initiatives 6 Differences with Gandhi 7 Charity 8 Last days 9 Notes 10 References 11 Further reading

[edit] Early years

Jamnalal Bajaj was born into a poor family, the third son of Kaniram and Birdibai, in a village named Kashi Ka Bas, near Sikar. He was later adopted as a grandson by Seth Bachhraj and his wife Sadibai Bachhraj, a rich Rajasthani merchant couple of Wardha. Seth Bachhraj was a distant relative on his father's side and was a well-known and respected trader in the British Raj. Upon coming of age, under the guidance of Seth Bachhraj, Jamnalal got involved in the family business of his grandfather. During this period he acquired the knowhow of being a tradesman

keeping strict accounts and buying and selling commoditiesexcelling in his work by the time Seth Bachhraj died. In 1926 he founded what would become the Bajaj group of industries.

[edit] An Honorary Magistrate

During the First World War, the British government appeased and honored native tradesmen, soliciting funds. They appointed Jamnalal an honorary magistrate. When he provided money for the war fund, they conferred on him the title of Rai Bahadur, a title he later surrendered during the non-cooperation movement of 1921.

[edit] Follower of Gandhi

Upon Mahatma Gandhis return from South Africa, Jamnalal took in interest in Gandhis way of life, his principles, such as Ahimsa (non-violence), and his dedication to the poor. He could understand Gandhis vision that home-made goods were the answer to Indias poverty. He figured that the British companies were importing cheap raw cotton from India and sending back finished cloth at higher prices. He was humbled by the simple life that Gandhi was leading at the Sabarmati Ashram. He was impressed by the Ashrams routine of prayer and physical work. Activities included cleaning, cooking, washing and looking after the domesticated animals. He brought his wife Jankidevi and his children to live in the Ashram. However, this close relationship and his deep involvement in the independence movement did not leave Jamnalal Bajaj with much time to spend on his newly launched business venture.[1]

[edit] Freedom struggle

In 1920, Jamanalal was elected chairman of the reception committee for the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress. He gave up the title of Rai Bahadur conferred on him by the British government and joined the non-co-operation movement in 1921. Later, in 1923, he participated in the flag satyagraha, defying a ban on flying the national flag in Nagpur, and was arrested. This earned him national admiration. He wanted Gandhi to move to Wardha and make it the center of his activity. After the Dandi March in April 1930, Gandhi moved to Sevagram, a small village near Wardha, since he wanted to live close to the rural populace. Gandhi vowed not to return to Sabarmati Ashram until freedom was achieved. Jamanalal was named president of Gandhi Seva Sangha, a group of workers who dedicated their time to constructive work. He was later elected a member of the Congress Working Committee and as the treasurer of Congress in 1933.

[edit] Social initiatives

Jamanalal Bajaj was interested in initiatives such as the removal of untouchability, promotion of Hindi, and Khadi and village Industries. He had toured across the country promoting Khadi. In

1925, he was chosen as the treasurer of the All India Spinners Association. He was also the president of the All India Hindi Sahitya Sammelan (literary convention) that promoted Hindi as the single language to unite all Indians. He was instrumental in publishing Hindi magazines and books. He initiated the Gandhi Hindi Pustak Bhandar (bookshop) in Bombay and started the Sasta Sahitya Mandal (publishing house). He founded the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (university) along with C. Rajagopalachari in hopes of spreading the learning of Hindi across the country. With the intent of eradicating untouchability, he fought the non admission of Harijans into Hindu temples in his home town of Wardha. As orthodox Hindu priests and Brahmins objected, he opened his own family temple, the Laxmi Narayan Mandir, in Wardha, for the Harijans in 1928. He began a campaign by eating a meal with Harijans and opening public wells to them. He opened several wells in his fields and gardens. Due to his devotion, he was elected the chief of the Jaipur Rajya Praja Mandal in 1938. While chief, he negotiated a truce between the maharajas of Sikar and Jaipur.

Rahul Bajaj
Rahul Bajaj

Born

10 June 1938 (age 73)

Bengal Presidency, British India

Residence

Pune, Maharashtra, India

Nationality

Indian

Alma mater

Harvard University

Occupation

Industrialist & Politician $1.6 billion (2011)[1]

Net worth

Religion

Hindu

Rahul Bajaj (Rajasthani:born 10 June 1938) is a prominent Indian industrialist and member of the Indian Parliament. He comes from the business house started by a Rajasthani Marwadi businessman Jamnalal Bajaj. The US$ 1.32 Billion Bajaj Auto is his flagship company. He was awarded the third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2001. His net worth is estimated to be at US$1.6 billion. He is currently listed 34th on the Forbes list of richest people in India.

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1 Early life 2 Personal life 3 References 4 External links

Early life
Rahul Bajaj is an alumnus of Harvard Business School in USA, St. Stephen's College, Delhi, Government Law College, Mumbai and Cathedral and John Connon School.

He took over the reins of Bajaj Group in 1965. Under his stewardship, the turnover of the Bajaj Auto the flagship company has risen from Rs.72 million to Rs.46.16 billion. Rahul Bajaj created one of India's best companies in the difficult days of

the licence-permit raj. He established factories at Akurdi and Waluj. In 1980s Bajaj Auto was top scooter producer in India and its Chetak brand had a 10-year waiting period.

Personal life
His sons Rajiv Bajaj and Sanjiv Bajaj are involved in the management of his companies. His daughter Sunaina Kejriwal is married to Manish Kejriwal who heads Temasek India.[2][3]

Bajaj Auto
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Bajaj Auto Limited

Type

Public

Industry

Automobile

Headquarters Pune, Maharashtra, India

Key people

Rahul Bajaj (Chairman), Rajiv Bajaj (Managing Director)

Products

Bikes, scooter, Autorickshaw 16,975 crore (US$3.79 billion) [1]

Revenue

Net income

3,340 crore (US$744.82 million)

Employees

10,250 (2006-07)

Parent

Bajaj Group

Website

bajajauto.com

Bajaj Auto is a major Indian vehicle manufacturer started by Jamnalal Bajaj from Rajasthan in the 1930s. It is based in Pune, Maharashtra, with plants in Chakan (Pune), Waluj (near Aurangabad) and Pantnagar in Uttaranchal. The oldest plant at Akurdi (Pune) now houses the R&D centre Ahead. Bajaj Auto makes and exports automobiles scooters, motorcycles and the auto rickshaw. The Forbes Global 2000 list for the year 2005 ranked Bajaj Auto at 1,946.[2]It features at 1639 in forbes 2011 list. Over the last decade, the company has successfully changed its image from a scooter manufacturer to a two wheeler manufacturer. Its product range encompasses scooterettes, scooters and motorcycles. Its real growth in numbers has come in the last four years after successful introduction of a few models in the motorcycle segment. The company is headed by Rahul Bajaj who is worth more than US$1.5 billion.[3] Bajaj Auto came into existence on 29 November 1945 as M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation Private Limited. It started off by selling imported two- and three-wheelers in India. In 1959, it obtained license from the Government of India to manufacture two- and three-wheelers and it went public in 1960. In 1970, it rolled out its 100,000th vehicle. In 1977, it managed to produce and sell 100,000 vehicles in a single financial year. In 1985, it started producing at Waluj near Aurangabad. In 1986, it managed to produce and sell 500,000 vehicles in a single financial year. In 1995, it rolled out its ten millionth vehicle and produced and sold one million vehicles in a year. According to the authors of Globality: Competing with Everyone from Everywhere for Everything, Bajaj has grown operations in 50 countries by creating a line of value-for-money bikes targeted to the different preferences of entry-level buyers.

Rahul Bajaj is India 's most outspoken industrialist. As chairman of the Bombay club Bajajwas among the few to have vehemently opposed India 's liberalization programme in theearly 1990's. It is ironic that today Bajaj plans to have establishments in countries as far anddiverse as Brazil , Indonesi and Nigeria .. A confidante of Mahatma Gandhi, Rahul Bajaj'sgrandfather founded the scooter company. Recently tensions with estranged brother Shishir hogged the limelight and threatened to divide his fortune Bajaj believes in giving people a lot of independence. He prefers them to learn while on thejob. Brash and assertive, Bajaj thinks that he created one of

India 's best companies in the difficult days of the license-permit raj. Although many would disagree and think that creating companies during the license raj was far easier for established business groups then for the non-established ones. In 1980 Bajaj Auto was top scooter producer and its Chetak brand had a 10-year waiting list. During the 1970's foreign collaborations and licenses weredifficult to obtain. However, in the 1980s capacity licensing and foreign collaboration for two-wheelers was liberalized. All the world's top players (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Piaggio,Garelli, Peugot) entered through collaborations or joint ventures. But this did not deter BajajAuto as it met the challenge and maintained its dominating position.. While Hero Hondacaptured the motor-cycle market Bajaj hung on to its scooter business. Post the liberalizationand the change in the demographic profile the younger Indian began to prefer motor-cycles toscooter. Bajaj finally woke up but by then Hero Honda was already ahead in the two-wheeler. Talking of people Bajaj feels I feel an MBA should have four essential qualities to succeed inthe new millenniuma. Listen effectively b. Think like an entrepreneur c. Cross functionality. d. Smart work combined with hard work Bajaj feels that the world has become a seamless place to live in and that liberalization of the economy during the 1991-93 period was handled exceptionally well. The biggest problem with the country is its apathy to creating wealth. Rahul Bajaj feels that the bloated structures and the unproductive systems need to be dismantled. The need of the hour is efficient mechanism with free and fair competition. This year Rahul Bajaj become a Member of Parliament through the Rajya Sabha. It is now for time to decide whether as M.P Bajaj actually does what he always wanted to do. His company how-ever is being handled very well in the safe hands of his son Rajeev Objective: 1. Nation building is not easy, nor should it be taken for granted. 2. Legislature, judiciary, executive and common man should work together for the growth of the nation.

Shri. Rahul Bajaj Chairman, Bajaj Auto

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Indian nation is united and strong.- unity and diversity We need an open, free but a regulated market so that big fish don t eat the small fish. Cannot depend on foreign import therefore increase export. Poverty struck India- 27% to 40% people are below poverty line. One side we say we have a tradition of 5000 years and on the other side out of 110 Cr, 30 Cr are poverty struck. Need of the hour- Idea, Institution and economy. Today s judiciary, legislative and common man should work hand in hand for a strong nation building. Division on the basis of caste, religion, class, religion encouraged due to vote bank politics is wrong and these do not make country viable leading to dead end. Trial by media is not acceptable. The trial should be done according to the law and by the legislative body only. Media is doing a good job in bringing out the key issues that would help in the development of the nation and enlightens the minds of the young. We need to overwrite corruption and inefficiency. It s a hurdle in our progress. Quality of leadership is important. It s not the charisma; it s the idea of understanding today and planning for tomorrow that will provide better opportunity.

He concluded by stating the importance of following points- powerful media, quality of leadership & allowing everyone to live with dignity.

http://indianstudentparliament.com/session-7-2

Nationality: Indian Year of Birth: 1938 Work History: Rahul Bajaj is the current chairman of the Bajaj Group. He is also active in Indian politics and was recently elected into the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the parliament of India). Education: Rahul Bajaj graduated from Government Law College, Mumbai. He had spent time at Harvard University too before returning to India. Bio: According to a recent research conducted in the country, any average house in India will be making use of a product manufactured by Bajaj Industries. For instance, during the initial days Bajaj Industries concentrated in the design and development of automobiles in India. It was only later that the company began foraying into other segments such as appliances and lighting accessories. Rahul Bajaj understood the importance of a safe and reliable transportation medium for the average Indian household. He played instrumental roles in the development of Bajaj Chetak scooters in India. Even on this day, when you visit this country, you will come across plenty of two and three wheelers bearing the official logo of Bajaj Industries! These scooters and three wheelers were also exported into other Asian and Middle Eastern nations during those times. The average waiting period for a Bajaj Chetak scooter was 10 years. Rahul Bajaj played a pivotal role in altering the overall gross profits of the company. For instance, according to independent auditing sources, the average profits soared up to Rs 46.16 billion. One must consider that when Bajaj was handed over the administrative duties, the average turnover was a mere Rs 76 million. As of today, the company has stopped the manufacture and distribution of Chetak scooters. When rival multinational automobile manufacturers began to threaten the very existence of Bajaj Industries, Rahul decided to experiment with motorcycles. The plan worked and the Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle is still preferred by the Indian youth.

On countless occasions, he had to face stiff oppositions from fellow family members. The recent business settlement with his cousins generated quite a buzz in the social as well as media circles. Yet, Rahul has never faltered to pressures he still proves to be an enterprising person.
BAJAJ From days of the license raj to today's free-market economy era, Bajaj scooters have maintained their hold over millions of Indian households. Be it the Super or Chetak, generations of Indians have grown up with images of Indian values and ethos that the 'Hamara Bajaj' campaign has evoked Padma bhushan award The French government have awarded Mr Rahul Bajaj the Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honor or the Chevalier de l Ordre de la Legion de Honneur. It was awarded by the French ambassador, Mr. Jerome Bonnafont on behalf of the French president Mr Nicolas Sarkozy. The honor was in recognition of his remarkable career, his successful management of Bajaj Group and for his notable entrepreneurial spirit. Mr Rahul Bajaj was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001 by the government of India.