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Ex-Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania dies at 87 in Mumbai
His son Gautam Singhania, the group's current chairman and managing director, announced the death in an social media post on X'.
Former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania died in Mumbai on Saturday evening, his family confirmed in a statement.
The 87-year-old's son Gautam Singhania, the group's current chairman and managing director, announced the death in a social media post on 'X'.
Singhania passed away “peacefully” in Mumbai, and the last rites will be performed on Sunday, a Raymond Group spokesperson said.
Led Raymond for two decades
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Vijaypat Singhania led Raymond as chairman for two decades till 2000. After stepping down, he handed over the reins of the company to Gautam Singhania and transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the firm to his son.
Apart from his business career, Singhania was also a keen aviator and held a world record for the highest altitude gained in a hot air balloon.
Vijaypat Singhania took charge of Raymond Group as chairman and managing director in 1980, well before India’s economic liberalisation in 1991 reshaped the consumer market. His leadership during that period helped the textile major stay resilient at a time when many legacy brands struggled to adapt to changing economic realities.
On the business front, Singhania oversaw Raymond’s expansion beyond textiles, steering it into sectors such as synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files and cement.
Singhania handed over the reins of the Raymond Group to his son Gautam Singhania in 2000, but remained active in public life for years after.
Corporate leader with passion for adventure
Beyond the boardroom, Singhania stood out for his love of aviation and adventure. Known for pushing limits, he built a parallel identity as an aviator and adventurer, often undertaking high-risk feats.
His achievements in both business and adventure brought him national recognition, including the Padma Bhushan and the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
In November 2005, at the age of 67, Singhania set a world record by ascending to nearly 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Years earlier, in 1988, he had completed a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi over 23 days, setting a speed-over-time endurance record.
His contribution to aviation was also recognised by the Indian Air Force, which conferred on him the honorary rank of Air Commodore in 1994 after he logged over 5,000 flying hours. In 2006, he was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai.
In recent years, however, his public appearances had become infrequent.
Vijaypat Singhania and Gautam Singhania were embroiled in legal disputes some years ago, though the issues were later settled.
(With PTI inputs)
