CII is anguished by the sad demise of Mr Rahul Bajaj. A true statesman, he was President of CII in 1979-80 and 1999-2000, the only leader to have held this position twice. Through his long and close association with CII, he championed initiatives in competitiveness, technology, corporate governance, community development and many others. Rahul Bajaj was a true and steadfast mentor for CII since its transformation in 1974. As President, CII in 1979-80, he presided over landmark initiatives in competitiveness and international engagement of Indian industry that guided its future. Likewise, in 1999-2000, his Presidency took forward the IT industry to catapult the country into the digital age. His passion for India’s progress will illuminate the annals of the Indian economy in times to come.