Mumbai, May 12, 2026: Bajaj Group, one of India’s oldest and most respected business conglomerates, has completed 100 years of operations, marking a historic milestone that reflects the country’s own journey from the freedom movement to becoming a rising global economic power.
The centenary celebrations were accompanied by a special message from Narendra Modi, who praised the Group’s century-long contribution to India’s industrial development, employment generation, innovation, and nation-building.
Founded in 1926 in Mumbai by freedom fighter, philanthropist, and industrialist Jamnalal Bajaj — widely regarded as the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi — the Bajaj Group has evolved into a global business powerhouse with a market capitalization of nearly USD 148 billion.
Today, the Group serves one in three Indian households and operates across automobiles, financial services, consumer electricals, engineering, and emerging sectors, while employing over 1.3 lakh people globally. Its businesses export to more than 100 countries, with leading listed entities including Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Electricals and Bajaj Housing Finance.
In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the 100-year journey as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and sustained contribution to India’s growth story.
“The Bajaj Group has played an important role in nation-building by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and supporting community development. Institutions with deep roots such as the Bajaj Group have an important role to play in shaping the journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047,” the Prime Minister stated.
The grand centenary event, held at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai, brought together members of the Bajaj family, business leaders, Union and State ministers, political dignitaries, celebrities, and industry stakeholders. The evening highlighted the Group’s journey from its participation in India’s freedom struggle to becoming a globally recognised industrial and financial conglomerate.
The celebration featured a specially composed live performance by Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej, the screening of Kathni Karni Eksi — a film on Jamnalal Bajaj and Mahatma Gandhi directed by Rajkumar Hirani — and the unveiling of the official “100 Years of Bajaj” logo.
Addressing the gathering, Niraj Bajaj said the journey of Bajaj and the journey of India have always been interconnected.
“India’s journey towards self-reliance began long ago when visionary Indians believed the country must build for itself. Jamnalalji’s philosophy of common good over individual gain shaped generations of leadership at Bajaj,” he said.
Rajiv Bajaj highlighted the Group’s global ambitions and achievements, stating that Bajaj Auto has become one of the top three two-wheeler companies in the world, with exports across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, Sanjiv Bajaj emphasised the role of technology and innovation in India’s future growth story.
“The next chapter of India’s rise will be driven by technology, innovation, and the aspirations of the youth. At Bajaj, we see AI as a powerful tool to deepen financial inclusion and create opportunities,” he said.
The Group also highlighted its growing focus on social development through education, healthcare, youth skilling, sustainability, and livelihood generation. Its social initiatives have impacted more than 10 million beneficiaries across India, while its CSR platform Bajaj Beyond aims to positively impact over two crore young Indians in the next five years.
As the Bajaj Group enters its second century, company leaders reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, inclusive growth, sustainability, and strengthening India’s position in the global economy.
