Former Raymond Chairman Vijaypat Singhania passes away at 87; last rites in Mumbai today

The visionary industrialist and aviator breathed his last early Sunday; son Gautam Singhania confirms the news via social media.

Vijaypat Singhania, the former Chairman of the Raymond Group and a pioneering figure in India’s textile industry, passed away on Sunday at the age of 87. The news of his demise was shared by his son, Gautam Singhania, through a poignant post on social media platform X.

The veteran industrialist’s last rites are scheduled to be performed today at 3:00 PM at the Chandanwadi crematorium in Mumbai. Family sources and company officials indicated that the industry veteran had been dealing with age-related health issues for some time.

Visionary leader passes away

Gautam Singhania, in his tribute, described his father as a "visionary leader and philanthropist" whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations. The announcement marks the end of an era for the Raymond Group, which became a household name under Vijaypat’s leadership.

Born on October 10, 1938, Vijaypat Singhania was instrumental in transforming Raymond from a woollen mill into a global lifestyle brand. His tenure as Managing Director saw the company diversify into engineering, aviation, and high-end retail.

Architect of modern Raymond

Vijaypat took the reins of the company in 1980, steering it through a period of rapid modernization. He is credited with launching the premium brand 'Park Avenue' in 1986, which redefined the wardrobe of the urban Indian male.

By 1990, he had taken the brand international, opening the first overseas showroom in Oman. His business acumen was matched by his passion for technology, ensuring Raymond remained a market leader for decades in the suiting and shirting segment.

High-flying adventurer and aviator

Beyond the boardroom, Singhania was an avid aviator who held several world records. In 1988, he completed a solo flight from London to New Delhi in a microlight aircraft, a feat that lasted 23 days.

In 2005, at the age of 67, he set a world record by reaching an altitude of approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. His 5,000 hours of flight experience led the Indian Air Force to confer upon him the rank of Honorary Air Commodore.

National honors and recognition

The Government of India recognized his contributions to industry and society by awarding him the Padma Bhushan in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for his daring exploits in the skies.

In addition to his corporate roles, he served as the Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. He also penned his experiences in a book titled 'An Angel in a Cockpit', detailing his solo flight from the UK to India.

Complex family legacy remains

In recent years, the senior Singhania was frequently in the news due to a highly publicized legal and personal dispute with his son, Gautam, over property and control of the family estate. After handing over the company reins in 2015, the relationship between the two soured significantly.

Despite a brief appearance of reconciliation in March 2024, when Gautam posted a photo with his father at JK House, Vijaypat later dismissed the meeting as forced. These developments had remained a subject of intense public interest across India News Update cycles.

Future of the textile giant

Industry experts suggest that while the personal rift was public, Vijaypat’s professional blueprint remains the foundation of the current Raymond Group. His focus on quality and retail expansion allowed the brand to penetrate deep into the Indian market.

As Mumbai prepares for his final journey, the business community continues to pour in tributes for the man who taught India what it meant to be "The Complete Man."