A little boy was adopted by a wealthy businessman at the age of 5. During his teenage, he took a keen interest in the family business. Today that family business is known as the ‘Bajaj Group’ and the man behind it was Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of the Bajaj Group. This Independence Month, Machine Maker brings to you the incredible story of the man who laid the foundation of the Indian Manufacturing industry- Freedomfacturer, Jamnalal Bajaj.
Today, the Bajaj Group is amongst the top 10 business houses in India. The company extends over a wide range of industries, right from automobile manufacturing to financing agencies. Bajaj Auto is ranked as the world's fourth-largest three and two-wheeler manufacturer and the Bajaj brand is well-known across several countries in Latin America, Africa, Middle East, South, and Southeast Asia. But little do the people know about the man who laid the foundation of it or his journey from cotton ginning to being one of the largest conglomerates in India.
Jamnalal Bajaj was born on 4 November 1889, in a village in Rajasthan. At the age of 5, he was adopted by a wealthy businessman from Wardha, Bachraj Seth. Jamnalal soon got involved in the family business and by his teenage, he was managing the business, the accounts, trading of commodities, to be precise- excelling at being a businessman. In 1926 he founded what would become the Bajaj Group.
Apart from being one of the pioneers of the Indian Automobile Industry, Jamnalalji was also a true patriot in spirit, a philanthropist, and a freedom fighter. He was appointed as an honorary magistrate during the First World War by the British Government. He was honoured with the title of ‘Rai Bahadur’ for his contributions to the war fund. This title given by the British Government was given up by Jamnalalji during the non-cooperation movement of 1921. Jamnalalji played a very crucial role in laying the foundation stone of the pre-independent manufacturing sector of the country, today’s make in India.
(Image Courtesy: Jamnalalbajaj Foundation)
Jamnalal Bajaj was a close follower of Gandhi. Jamnalal agreed and was influenced by Gandhi's way of life, his principles, such as Ahimsa (non-violence), and his dedication to the poor. He could understand Gandhi's vision that homemade goods were the answer to India's poverty. Jamnalalji played an active role in the freedom struggle of India. He participated in the Non-co-operation Movement in 1921, the Nagpur Jhanda Satyagraha in 1923 to uphold the honour of our National Flag, the Boycott of Simon Commission in 1929, the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, and the Anti-war campaign in 1941.
The most exemplary works of Jamnalalji was implementing the Constructive Programme of Gandhiji. As the Founder-President of the ‘Gandhi Seva Sangh’ and Chairman of the ‘All-India Khaddar Board’ he undertook an extensive khadi tour first in Rajasthan followed by the entire country. He believed in the vision of Indian Manufacturing and today, the values of the ‘Bajaj Group’ are the same. He also established the Mahila Ashram at Wardhaand and Mahila Shiksha Sadan in Ajmer to empower women through education. A modern-day feminist. His works are a living testimony of his earnest endeavours for women's emancipation through education.
Sardar Patel used to call it ‘Oxford’ (Image Courtesy: Jamnalalbajaj Foundation)
The present Chairman of the group, Rahul Bajaj, took charge of the business in 1965. Under his leadership, the turnover of the Bajaj Auto the flagship company has gone up from INR.72 million to INR. 120 billion, its product portfolio has expanded and the brand has found a global market. He is one of India’s most distinguished business leaders, bike manufacturer India and internationally respected for his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. The company still works with the values of integrity, dedication, resourcefulness, and determination to succeed which were deep-rooted by ‘The Merchant Prince’- Jamnalal Bajaj, Founder of the Bajaj Group.
