Bajaj turns 100 as PM Modi hails group’s nation-building legacy

MUMBAI: Bajaj Group completed 100 years on May 11, marking a century-long journey that began in India’s freedom movement and evolved into one of the country’s most influential business empires.

The centenary celebrations in Mumbai blended nostalgia, nation-building and next-generation ambition, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a special message praising the group’s contribution to India’s industrial and economic rise.

“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,” Modi said in his tribute to the group.

Founded in 1926 by Jamnalal Bajaj, often described as Mahatma Gandhi’s “fifth son”, the group today spans automobiles, financial services, electricals and consumer businesses, with a combined market capitalisation of nearly $148 billion.

The conglomerate employs around 1.3 lakh people and exports products to more than 100 countries. From the iconic “Hamara Bajaj” scooter era to electric vehicles and fintech platforms, the group’s evolution has mirrored India’s own economic transformation.

In his message, Modi noted that the Bajaj story is deeply intertwined with India’s development journey.

“Over the decades, the Bajaj Group has played an important role in nation-building by creating jobs, fostering innovation and supporting community development,” the Prime Minister said.

He also highlighted the group’s role in shaping India’s ambitions for manufacturing, innovation and global competitiveness as the country moves towards its “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision.

The celebrations also looked firmly ahead. The Bajaj family announced a Rs 2,500 crore entry into healthcare through Bajaj Integrated Health System, a new initiative that aims to combine hospitals with digital healthcare services.

Leading the venture is fifth-generation family member Nirav Bajaj, son of Niraj Bajaj. His speech struck a balance between legacy and reinvention.

“If the first 100 years of Bajaj were about building institutions, the next 100 will be about building ecosystems,” Nirav Bajaj said during the event.

He also underlined the family’s long-standing philosophy of inclusive growth.

“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,” Nirav Bajaj added.

The group also showcased “Bajaj Beyond”, a large-scale social impact initiative aimed at reaching more than two crore young Indians over the next five years through programmes focused on education, livelihoods and sustainability.

Modi’s message also revisited the social reform legacy of founder Jamnalal Bajaj, who advocated inclusivity and campaigned against child marriage long before corporate social responsibility became mainstream boardroom language.

That legacy was later carried forward by leaders such as Rahul Bajaj, who helped build the group’s reputation around trust, governance and outspoken leadership.

As the Bajaj Group enters its second century, the message from the family and the government appeared aligned: India’s industrial old guard is not just celebrating the past, but preparing for a much larger role in the country’s future