TRAILBLAZER
JAMNALAL BAJAJ :
THE FOUNDER of one of India ’ s top manufacturers and Gandhi ’ s adopted ' FIFTH SON '
The legacy of Jamnalal Bajaj , founder of Bajaj Group , includes India ’ s most popular motorcycle exporter , Bajaj Auto Ltd
Jamnalal Bajaj , 1889 - 1942 , was an industrialist with a heart for ethical practices in a free India .
Manufacturing legend The Bajaj Group was founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in 1926 , after Bajaj inherited his grandfather ’ s business at the tender age of seventeen .
He acted with a surprising level of maturity , networking with his peers to learn what he could about the business world . Bajaj invested in the cotton manufacturing industry with great success . The Bajaj Group soon expanded into a managing agency , as well as a manufacturer of small electronics , such as lamps and fans . The Bajaj Group later entered the iron and steelworks market .
Three years after Bajaj died , Bajaj Auto was founded to manufacture motorcycles and is now India ’ s top motorcycle exporter , widely known there as ‘ The World ’ s Favourite Indian ’. Two out of every three bikes sold internationally bear the iconic Bajaj badge .
Teaming up with Gandhi Decades before ESG would become the cornerstone of business , Bajaj controversially stood fast in support for girls education , gender equality and the emancipation of the Harijan caste ( also known as ‘ Dalit ’ or ‘ untouchables ’), whom he welcomed into his family-owned temple .
This was an enormous gesture , as it very rare for the minority – and sometimes terrorised — community be invited into a temple . Bajaj also championed high quality business ethics and fair trade , with a focus on the common good over advancing his personal wealth .
He also supported Indian independence from Britain ,
18 June 2022