Soon after the news of the death of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President Vikram Kirloskar made headlines, Twitter was flooded with tributes from industry heavyweights and politicians alike. While some remembered their friend, some praised Kirloskar’s professionalism and some saw it as the “fragility of life”.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari hailed Kirloskar’s contributions for “leading the transformation of India’s auto industry”. Gadkari wrote, “It is hard to believe that he has suddenly left us. Vikram ji was a great statesman who will always be remembered for leading the transformation of the Indian auto industry.”
Kotak Mahindra Bank executive vice-chairman and managing director Uday Kotak said Kirloskar had “a world-class vision to bring the best to India” and tweeted: “Very sad to lose my friend Vikram Kirloskar. He had a world class vision to bring the best to India. A clear mind and a big heart. We also worked together on the management of CII. We are with you, Geetanjali and Manasi.”
Mahindra Group head of international operations and CEO of the two-wheeler business, Prakash Wakankar, said Kirloskar’s sudden death was a reminder of the “fragility of life”. Wakankar tweeted, “Woke up this morning to the sad news of Vikram Kirloskar’s death. Absolute shock and showing once again the fragility of life. A wonderful person whose kindness I will never forget. RIP sir and condolences to the extended Kirloskar family.”
Automotive historian and author of Jawa The Forever Bike, Adil Jal Darukhanawala, tweeted: “What a shocker! Just heard the sad news of Vikram Kirloskar’s death! A wonderful man and a great professional who went about his business with dignity. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues who will miss him. RIP Vikram till we meet again.”
Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu called Kirloskar “one of the giants of India’s auto industry and a humanist”. The former vice president tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the sad demise of one of India’s auto industry giants and a humanitarian, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President Shri Vikram Kirloskar. Deepest condolences to his family members. May his aatma touch the sadgati! Man Shanti!”
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar recalled his meeting with the auto industry expert at the Global Investors meet. Chandrasekhar wrote: “I met him at the recent global investors meeting, as cheerful as ever – I joked that the crown government was giving him a lifetime achievement for being a continuous partner of the Karnataka government for decades. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Om Shanti (sic).”
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai paid his last respects to the stalwart and tweeted, “Heartfelt condolences on the sad and untimely demise of one of the stalwarts of the Indian auto industry, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice President Shri Vikram Kirloskar. Rest in peace. May God give the family and friends the strength to bear this loss. Man Shanti.”
Here’s how netizens paid tribute to Vikram Kirloskar on his death:
Vikram Kirloskar died of a heart attack at the age of 64 on Tuesday evening. His funeral will be held at the Hebbal crematorium in Bengaluru on Wednesday at 1 pm. He is survived by his wife Geetanjali and daughter Manasi.
Also Read: Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Vikram Kirloskar Passes Away; last rites to be held in Bengaluru