Many prominent business leaders played active roles in India’s freedom movement. Today is Bajaj’s birth anniversary. Born on September 22, 1923, Ramakrishna Bajaj seamlessly blended three distinct roles throughout his life: industrialist, freedom fighter, and social reformer. Characteristically humble, he preferred to describe himself simply as "Mahatma Gandhi's coolie."

Ramakrishna Bajaj spent a significant amount of time with Mahatma Gandhi from a very young age, participating in movements and other freedom struggle activities. Rather than assigning him grand speeches, Gandhiji entrusted him with modest, everyday tasks. Ramakrishna carried them out with complete dedication—a grounding spirit that would define his character in the years to come.

Son of an Industrialist

Ramakrishna was the younger son of Jamnalal Bajaj, the founder of the Bajaj Group. Jamnalal was a trusted associate of Mahatma Gandhi, who affectionately referred to him as his "fifth son." Growing up in this atmosphere deeply shaped Ramakrishna’s worldview from an early age.

Also Read: Inside Tata Sons Boardroom: Why Noel Tata Push For Restructuring Over Listing

Why was he called "Gandhiji's Coolie"?

His self-described title of "Mahatma Gandhi's Coolie" reflected a deep commitment to service and accountability. For Ramakrishna, leadership was not about wielding power, but serving society and the nation. Following Independence, he focused heavily on youth development, establishing key initiatives and organisations to empower young citizens.

From Education to the Freedom Movement

Ramakrishna received his early education at Navbharat Vidyalaya in Wardha and joined the national movement as a teenager. In 1941, while still a minor, he received special permission from Gandhiji to participate in the Individual Satyagraha.

He was subsequently jailed during the Quit India Movement, spending nearly four years in prison over the course of the freedom struggle. While incarcerated, he studied Sanskrit under the guidance of Vinoba Bhave.

Bajaj Group's Command

Following the passing of his elder brother, Kamalnayan Bajaj, in 1972, Ramakrishna assumed leadership of the Bajaj Group. Under Kamalnayan, the conglomerate had expanded significantly into new sectors, including automotive manufacturing.

Ramakrishna built upon this foundation, placing high-standard corporate ethics, fairness, and social responsibility at the core of the business.

Also Read: NSE IPO Allotment Today: Steps To Check Status On MUFG Intime India And BSE

Creates Business Council

Ramakrishna was concerned not just with growing a business, but with how that business was conducted. Believing commercial goals should align with public welfare, he helped establish pioneering self-regulatory bodies such as the Council for Fair Business Practices and the Advertising Standards Council of India.

Created His Own Identity

Ramakrishna Bajaj’s legacy stands out because he viewed his father Jamnalal’s inheritance as more than just enterprises and commercial value. To him, it was equally an inheritance of Gandhian values, service, ethics, and civic obligation. Guided by these principles, the industrialist known as "Gandhiji's coolie" carved a unique and enduring niche in Indian business history.