Vijaypat Singhania, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, led the Raymond Group for nearly two decades until 2000. He was also a passionate aviator and held a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon
Former Raymond Group chairman Vijaypat Singhania. File Pic/videograb/PTI videos
Former Raymond Group chairman Vijaypat Singhania passed away in Mumbai on Saturday evening at the age of 87, his family confirmed, reported the PTI.
His son, Gautam Singhania, who is the current chairman and managing director of the group, announced the news on social media.
“With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania,” wrote Gautam Singhania.
He described his father as a “visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations”.
A company spokesperson said Singhania passed away peacefully, and his last rites will be held on Sunday, as per the PTI.
Vijaypat Singhania, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, led the Raymond Group for nearly two decades until 2000.
He was also a passionate aviator and held a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon.
RIP. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nGtOGAEtHt
— Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) March 28, 2026
69,000 feet in a hot air balloon
In November 2005, the then-67 year old Singhania created a world record by ascending to approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. Before that, in 1988, he had set a speed-over-time endurance record for microlight aircraft by flying solo from London to New Delhi over 23 days.
In addition, the Indian Air Force appointed him as an Honorary Air Commodore in 1994, and he was named Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006.
Funeral
Vijaypat Singhania's funeral will be held at Chandanwadi cremation in Mumbai on Sunday. “Family and friends are requested to assemble at 1.30 pm at Haveli, L. D. Ruparel Marg on Sunday," the X post by Gautam stated.
Succession
After stepping down, he handed over leadership of the company to his son Gautam and transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the firm, according to the PTI.
His contribution to industry and the nation was recognised with an honorary PhD from the London Institute of Technology, Research, and the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2006, according to the PTI.
Vijaypat and Gautam Singhania were embroiled in legal disputes some years back, but they were reported to have settled the issues, the news agency reported.
(with PTI and IANS inputs)
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