Vijaypat Singhania, the pioneering industrialist and patriarch of the Raymond Group, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, March 28, at the age of 87. Known for his distinctive blend of business acumen and adventurous spirit, Singhania held a rare position among India’s corporate leaders, steering one of the country’s most iconic textile brands through decades of economic and social change.

Singhania assumed leadership of Raymond in 1980 as chairman and managing director, more than a decade before India’s economic liberalisation in 1991. Under his guidance, the company expanded its footprint in textiles and diversified into synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files, and cement, solidifying Raymond’s position as a resilient industrial conglomerate. His leadership helped the brand endure pressures that saw many legacy companies falter during the rapidly evolving Indian market.

Beyond the boardroom, Singhania was a passionate adventurer and aviation enthusiast. In 1988, he set a solo microlight aircraft speed-over-time endurance record by flying from London to New Delhi over 23 days. In November 2005, at age 67, he created a world record by ascending approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. These feats earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award. He was also conferred India’s third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, and in 1994 was named an Honorary Air Commodore by the Indian Air Force for logging over 5,000 flying hours.

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In public service, Singhania held the position of Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006 and later served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, from 2007 to 2012. Though he handed over leadership of the Raymond Group to his son Gautam Singhania in 2000, he remained active in public life, even as appearances became increasingly rare in later years. Legal disputes between father and son in recent years were reportedly resolved amicably.

Vijaypat Singhania’s legacy extends beyond corporate boardrooms into the realms of adventure, philanthropy, and mentorship. His life combined the precision and discipline of an industrialist with the courage and curiosity of a pioneering explorer, leaving an indelible mark on India’s business and adventure landscape.

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