Mumbai: Padma Vibhushan awardee and former chairman of the Raymond Group Vijaypat Singhania, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 87, his family said on Saturday.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania. A visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations,” his son and current Raymond Group chairman and managing director Gautam Singhania wrote on X.
He will be cremated in Mumbai’s Chandanwadi at 3 pm on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Ashadevi Singhania and children Madhupati Singhania, Shephali Ruia and Gautam Singhania, as reported by NDTV.
In the condolences message issued by the Singhania family, he has been described as “a visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations”.
Vijaypat Singhania was born into a business family in the late 1930s. He evolved into one of India’s most prominent industrialists in the textile sector and an aviation pioneer.
He transformed the Raymond Group into a globally recognised brand in suiting fabrics and menswear, overseeing major expansion in manufacturing, retail and exports during his tenure, as reported by India Today.
Singhania also served as the Sheriff of Bombay, reflecting his stature in civic life. Beyond business, he was known for his passion for aviation and adventure.
A trained pilot and honorary Air Commodore, he set several aviation and ballooning records, earning recognition as one of the world’s leading balloonists.
Singhania once set a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air baloon, India Today reported. He also has also popularised microlight flying in India.
Vijaypat Singhania served as chairman of Raymond Group for nearly two decades until 2000. After stepping down, he handed over leadership to his son, Gautam Singhania, and also transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the company to him.
Some dispute was reported between the father and son thereafter, though the differences were eventually resolved amicably.
