Air Commodore (Dr.) Vijaypat Singhania, Padma Bhushan awardee and former Chairman of the Raymond Group, passed away peacefully in Mumbai on Saturday evening, the company said in a statement. His last rites will be performed on March 29, 2026.Born on October 4, 1938, Singhania led Raymond Group as Chairman and Managing Director from 1980 to 2000, during which he transformed it into a widely recognised name in India’s textile and apparel sector. Under his leadership, the company expanded beyond traditional textiles into multiple segments, reflecting a diversified industrial vision.
Beyond business, Singhania was also known for his distinguished aviation career. He accumulated over 5,000 flying hours and achieved several milestones, including a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi in 1988 and participation in an around-the-world air race in 1994.
In 2005, at the age of 67, he set a global record by reaching an altitude of around 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon, a feat certified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. His contributions to aviation earned him the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2001.The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2006, while the Indian Air Force had earlier conferred upon him the honorary rank of Air Commodore. He also served as Sheriff of Mumbai and chaired the governing council of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.Singhania is survived by his wife Ashadevi Singhania and children Madhupati Singhania, Shephali Ruia and Gautam Hari Singhania.(Edited by : Sheersh Kapoor)First Published: Mar 28, 2026 11:39 PM IST
