**Madhur Bajaj, Veteran Industrialist, Passes Away at 73**
Madhur Bajaj, the esteemed former vice-chairman of Bajaj Auto and a prominent figure in the Indian automotive industry, has passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness. Company sources confirmed his death on Friday, noting that he is survived by his wife, Kumud, and two daughters, Neelima and Nimisha. Bajaj had been hospitalized at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai due to health complications, including a stroke he suffered two days prior to his passing. He breathed his last at approximately 5 am on Friday.
His last rites were conducted in the afternoon at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai. Born on August 19, 1952, Madhur Bajaj was a third-generation member of the illustrious Bajaj family, known for their contributions to business and politics. He stepped down from his role at Bajaj Auto in January of the previous year due to health concerns.
Madhur Bajaj received his early education at the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun and graduated from Sydenham College in Mumbai in 1973. He later earned an MBA from the International Institute of Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1979. In addition to his role at Bajaj Auto, he served as a director for Bajaj Finserv Limited, Bajaj Electricals Limited, and several other companies within the Bajaj Group. He was also the Chairman of Maharashtra Scooters Limited.
Bajaj’s leadership extended beyond his corporate roles; he was the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) from 2005 to 2007 and previously served as the President of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) in Pune. His contributions to the automotive sector were recognized with the ‘Vikas Rattan’ Award from the International Friendship Society of India for his outstanding achievements.
The Indian automotive community is mourning his loss. Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd, expressed deep sorrow over Bajaj’s passing, highlighting his significant role in advocating for a robust automotive industry in India. He noted Bajaj’s instrumental involvement in developing the first-ever automotive Mission Plan from 2006 to 2016, which laid the groundwork for a thriving automotive sector in the country.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also shared his condolences, praising Bajaj’s exemplary leadership that propelled the Bajaj Group to new heights and contributed to India’s growth story. Sanjay Kirloskar, President of MCCIA, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Bajaj family, acknowledging the visionary leadership Bajaj provided during his tenure.
Madhur Bajaj’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the automotive industry and inspire future generations of leaders.
**FAQ**
**What were Madhur Bajaj’s contributions to the automotive industry?**
Madhur Bajaj played a pivotal role in the Indian automotive sector, serving as the President of SIAM and contributing to the development of the first automotive Mission Plan, which significantly advanced the industry in India.
