A Rajya Sabha member, a Padma Bhushan winner with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion, among the top 50 richest men in India according to Forbes India’s Richest list, Rahul Bajaj has done it all. To outsiders he might seem to have no complaints from life, but Rahul revealed to DNA his biggest regret.
“I’m a very proud father (he has two sons Rajiv (43) and Sanjiv (40) and a daughter, Sunaina Kejriwal (38). When I see them I feel good that they can balance their work and personal life very well and give equal time to both. My biggest regret in life is that I was not able to spend quality time with my children when they were growing up. I now spend a lot of time with my grandchildren,” Rahul said on the sidelines of the 32nd Jamnalal Bajaj Awards that saluted people for excellence in science and technology, welfare of women and children and promoting Gandhian principles outside India.
When asked what qualities in his three children he loves, Rahul says: “I’m glad that my children have their own individual identity. They are all equal to me and so I would not discriminate, but speaking of what I love about them collectively — they uphold the traditions of the Bajal family that has been imparted to us by the saint, Jamnalal Bajaj.”
He adds, “They all believe in ethics and integrity and work hard without compromising the wellness of people associated with us. They love each other dearly, though there are odd stories about whether they gel well or not. But I’m delighted they closely bond with each other. I think parents love children more, so I don’t know how much they love me. They can answer that.”And what advice does he give them? “Today’s children don’t like being advised and I don’t like to interfere until asked. They are doing a much better job than I would be doing today. They have fire in their belly, which I had when I was their age.
That doesn’t mean they are perfect. I disagree with many things they propose, but I have left it to them to run things their way.”
Ask him what still inspires him at 71 and he shoots off: “Working for the well-being of people is keeping me going. God has given me a lot more than what I deserve. I have been blessed with a great family and have been very lucky. I’m a member of the Rajya Sabha and I work on many philanthropic activities. I feel I’m working for my motherland. I like to see people happy. My interest is no more in making money; I’m not going to take it to heaven.”
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