Bajaj Group marked its 100th anniversary on Tuesday, celebrating a century of contribution to India’s industrial and economic growth. Founded in 1926 in Mumbai by freedom fighter and industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj, the group has evolved into a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning automobiles, financial services, electrical appliances, and engineering. Today, the group comprises over 100 companies, serves one in three Indian households, exports to more than 100 countries, and employs over 130,000 people globally.
On the occasion, Narendra Modi praised the Bajaj Group’s role in nation-building, stating that the conglomerate has contributed significantly to job creation, innovation, and community development across generations. He added that experienced institutions such as the Bajaj Group would play an important role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The centenary celebrations were held at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai and attended by members of the Bajaj family, industry leaders, ministers, and political dignitaries. Speaking at the event, Niraj Bajaj said the histories of India and the Bajaj Group have remained closely connected, with the company’s guiding philosophy centered on prioritizing the common good over individual gain.
Rajiv Bajaj highlighted the company’s global growth, noting that Bajaj Auto is now among the world’s top three two-wheeler manufacturers and exports to more than 100 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Referring to Bajaj Auto’s partnership with KTM, he said the collaboration demonstrates how Indian companies are increasingly becoming co-creators of global brands rather than just followers.
Meanwhile, Sanjiv Bajaj emphasized the growing role of technology and innovation in India’s future growth story. He said artificial intelligence has the potential to drive greater financial inclusion by improving access to financial services and opportunities for millions of people.
As part of its centenary celebrations, the group also announced plans to expand its social impact initiatives through the “Bajaj Beyond” programme, which will focus on education, livelihoods, and sustainability. Nirav Bajaj stated that the initiative aims to positively impact more than 20 million young Indians over the next five years.
The celebrations also featured the unveiling of a new “100 Years of Bajaj” logo, a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi directed by Rajkumar Hirani, and a live performance by Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej.
