Osamu Suzuki: The visionary who bet on India’s automobile future, says Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava

Osamu Suzuki, the man who took a risk and bet on India when no one else believed in having a viable automobile company in the country, Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava said reminiscing on the visionary leader who helped forge a successful partnership with the Indian government resulting in the formation of then Maruti Udyog Limited in the 1980s.“Without his vision and foresight, his willingness to take a risk that no one else was willing to take, his deep and abiding love for India, and his immense capabilities as a teacher, I believe the Indian automobile industry could not have become the powerhouse that it has become,” Bhargava said on the passing of Suzuki, adding, “Millions of us in this country are living better lives because of Osamu San.”

The Maruti 800 became a household name soon after launch, bringing affordable, reliable personal mobility solution to middle class Indians.

Bhargava informed Osamu Suzuki had won and enjoyed the trust of several Prime Ministers. “He had a very close understanding with the present Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Osamu San’s contribution to the Indian economy, and for building bridges between India and Japan was acknowledged by the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him. He will be missed by his innumerable admirers and beneficiaries in the country”, Bhargava said

Suzuki showed how nationality is no barrier to people building unbreakable bonds of trust in each other, he added.

Paying his personal tribute, Bhargava said, “He was my teacher, mentor and a person who stood by me even in my darkest days. If I played a role in the success of Maruti, it was because I was his student and he had taught me how best to grow a company and make it competitive.”Bhargava said Osamu San last visited Delhi at the end of July this year despite not being in good health. “He came because he wanted to attend my 90th birthday. It was the most touching event in my life. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see him”, he said. Bhargava said he has lost someone who was closer than brother to him. “Osamu San will no longer be there to guide us. His legacy and teachings will never be forgotten and he will be remembered every time Maruti reaches another milestone as a part of the progress of India”, he said.