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Former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania, who led the Raymond Group through a defining phase of growth, passes away in Mumbai on Saturday evening. He was 87.
Veteran industrialist and former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania.
Veteran industrialist and former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania, who led the Raymond Group through a defining phase of growth, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday evening, March 28. He was 87.
His son, Gautam Singhania, the group’s current chairman and managing director, confirmed the death on microblogging platform X, stating that Vijaypat’s last rites will be held on Sunday at Chandanwadi in Mumbai at 3 pm.
Vijaypat was more than a corporate leader. He was among a rare generation of industrialists who combined business leadership with personal adventure and public service.
Built Raymond into a diversified group
Vijaypat took charge of Raymond in 1980 and remained at the helm for two decades. His tenure came before India’s economic liberalisation, a period when many legacy businesses struggled to adapt.
Under his leadership, Raymond expanded beyond textiles into multiple sectors. These included synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, cement and industrial products. The diversification helped the group stay resilient as competition increased in the 1990s.
He handed over control of the company to his son Gautam Singhania in 2000. Along with the transition, he transferred his entire 37% stake in the firm to his son.
A life beyond boardrooms
Vijaypat was also known for his passion for aviation and adventure. He logged over 5,000 hours of flying and undertook several high-risk feats.
In 2005, at the age of 67, he set a world record by reaching an altitude of around 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Earlier, in 1988, he completed a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi in 23 days.
His contributions to aviation earned him recognition from the Indian Air Force, which named him an honorary Air Commodore in 1994.
Awards and public roles
Vijaypat received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contributions. He was also honoured with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
In public life, he served as Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. He also chaired the governing council of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad from 2007 to 2012.
Personal life and later years
In later years, Singhania remained in the public eye partly due to legal disputes with his son. The issues were eventually settled.
His public appearances had reduced in recent times.
With his passing, India loses a business leader who helped shape a legacy brand and lived a life that extended far beyond the industry.
March 29, 2026, 08:26 IST
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