Vijaypat Singhania, former Managing Director of Raymond Group, has passed away at 87 years of age on Saturday evening, according to reports from PTI. His son Gautam Singhania confirmed the news through social media platform X, posting an image along with the announcement. The death marks the end of an era for one of India's prominent business families, with a Raymond Group spokesperson confirming that Singhania passed away 'peacefully' in Mumbai and his last rites will be performed on Sunday. As per PTI, the funeral assembly will take place at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Haveli, L D Ruparel Marg in Mumbai, with the cremation scheduled for 3:00 pm at Chandanwadi crematorium. Family members, friends and well-wishers have been requested to attend and pay their final respects.
Singhania's death represents the end of an era for Raymond Group, one of India's most respected business houses. As reported by PTI, he led Raymond as chairman for around two decades until 2000, after which he handed over the reins of the company to Gautam Singhania. The family-owned business has been a significant player in the textile and fashion industry for decades, with Singhania also transferring his entire 37 per cent stake in the company to his son. During his tenure as chairman, Raymond expanded significantly in manufacturing, retail and exports, helping establish the company as a dominant player in the textile sector. The condolence message issued by the Singhania family described him as 'a visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations'. Singhania was also recognized as an architect of Raymond Group for his transformative leadership in building the company's current market position.
Beyond his business achievements, Vijaypat Singhania was a noted aviation enthusiast and held a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon. As reported by PTI, he was also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, recognized not only for his leadership at Raymond but also for his passion for aviation. A trained pilot and former Air Commodore (Honorary), he set several aviation and ballooning records and was among the most celebrated balloonists in the world. In recognition of his contributions to industry and society, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award. This dual legacy of business success and aviation pioneering reflects his diverse interests and contributions to both the corporate and recreational aviation sectors.
Gautam Singhania, the son of the deceased, took to social media platform X to confirm the news of his father's passing. According to PTI, he posted an image along with the announcement, writing a brief tribute: 'RIP. Om Shanti'. The confirmation came through the social media platform, reflecting the modern approach to sharing such significant news and demonstrating the family's commitment to transparency in this difficult time. The family announcement also invoked a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: 'Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karmaphalahetur bhur ma te sangostvakarmani', with the family praying for the departed soul to attain eternal peace.
