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Mumbai, March 29, 2026 — Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania, the visionary industrialist who steered the Raymond Group for two decades and etched his name in aviation history as a daring record-setting aviator, passed away peacefully in Mumbai on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026. He was 87.
Born on October 4, 1938, into the prominent Singhania business family, Singhania reluctantly entered the family enterprise at his father Lala Kailashpat Singhania’s insistence after the group had acquired Raymond (then primarily a woollen blanket manufacturer) in 1944. He assumed the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond in January 1980 and led the company until 2000, transforming it from a modest textile mill into one of India’s most iconic clothing brands and a diversified conglomerate spanning synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files, and cement.
Under his stewardship, Raymond became synonymous with premium men’s fashion, famously embodying the tagline “The Complete Man.” Singhania later served as Chairman-Emeritus and handed over leadership to his son Gautam Singhania. He also held prestigious positions including Chairman of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (2007–2012), Sheriff of Mumbai (2005–2006), and Honorary Air Commodore in the Indian Air Force.
A passionate aviator with over 5,000 flying hours, Singhania achieved several global milestones. In 1988, he set a microlight endurance record by flying solo from London to Delhi in 23 days. In 1994, he won a gold medal in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s around-the-world air race. At the age of 67 in November 2005, he set a world record for the highest altitude in a hot air balloon — reaching approximately 21,027 metres (69,000 feet) over Mumbai in a specially designed pressurized capsule — earning him the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2001. He was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in 2006 for his contributions to trade and industry.
Singhania authored two books: An Angel in the Cockpit (2005), recounting his microlight adventure, and his autobiography An Incomplete Life (2021). He was also known for his philanthropy and love of photography.
He is survived by his wife, Ashadevi Singhania, and three children — sons Gautam Singhania (current Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond Group) and Madhupati Singhania, and daughter Shephali Ruia.
Announcing the passing, Gautam Singhania wrote on X: “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania. A visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations.”
The funeral assembly will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 29, 2026, followed by cremation at Chandanwadi crematorium in Mumbai at 3 pm.
Singhania’s life embodied the spirit of innovation, adventure, and resilience — from building a textile empire to conquering the skies. His legacy endures in the enduring success of Raymond and the inspiration he provided to generations of entrepreneurs and aviators across India. Om Shanti.
