Former Raymond Group Chairman And Padma Bhushan Recipient Vijaypat Singhania Dies In Mumbai At 87

Vijaypat Singhania, Padma Bhushan recipient and former chairman of the Raymond Group, died in Mumbai on Saturday evening at the age of 87. The industrialist and aviation enthusiast was widely regarded for leadership in business, philanthropy and public life, with tributes noting influence across corporate circles, civil administration and flying.

Raymond Ex-Chairman Vijaypat Singhania Dies at 87 in Mumbai

A family announcement stated that the funeral gathering of Vijaypat Singhania took place in Mumbai on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 1:30 pm. The assembly will be held at Haveli on LD Ruparel Marg, before the scheduled cremation at Chandanwadi crematorium at 3:00 pm, where relatives, colleagues and admirers have been invited.

Vijaypat Singhania Final rites

Raymond Group officials confirmed the death through an official statement, noting the many public roles held by Vijaypat Singhania. The spokesperson said, "Air Commodore Vijaypat Singhania, recipient of Padma Bhushan, former Chairman of Raymond Group and former Sheriff of Bombay peacefully passed away earlier this evening in Mumbai. His last rites were performed on March 29, 2026. All of us are deeply saddened and praying for his Sadgati".

Vijaypat Singhania’s son, Gautam Singhania, who is Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group, also shared the news on X, earlier known as Twitter. Gautam Singhania posted a short message that read, "RIP. Om Shanti". The condolence note from the wider Singhania family described enduring respect for the industrialist and community figure.

Vijaypat Singhania's leadership in Raymond Group and business career

Born into the Singhania business family in the late 1930s, Vijaypat Singhania became one of India’s most notable industrial figures. During the tenure as Raymond Group chairman, Vijaypat Singhania oversaw major expansion in textiles, turning Raymond into a globally known name in suiting fabrics and menswear through manufacturing growth, retail reach and export markets.

Vijaypat Singhania headed the Raymond Group for almost twenty years, up to 2000, guiding the company through a phase of strong diversification and scale. After stepping down from the top post, Vijaypat Singhania passed day-to-day control to Gautam Singhania and transferred the entire 37 per cent shareholding in the company to Gautam Singhania.

Beyond the Raymond Group boardroom, Vijaypat Singhania also held the position of Sheriff of Bombay, underlining involvement in civic affairs and municipal activities. The family’s condolence note remembered Vijaypat Singhania as "a visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations". The message highlighted both corporate achievements and contributions to society.

The Singhania family also referred to a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, stating, "Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana, ma karmaphalahetur bhur ma te sangostvakarmani". The family said they were praying for the departed soul to find eternal peace, while inviting friends and well-wishers to attend the funeral and offer final respects in person at the scheduled venues.

Apart from the Raymond Group association, Vijaypat Singhania earned recognition as a trained pilot and honorary Air Commodore. Vijaypat Singhania set several aviation and ballooning records and was counted among the leading balloonists globally. One achievement included a world record for reaching the highest altitude in a hot air balloon, reflecting strong interest in aviation and adventure flights.

In later years, relations between Vijaypat Singhania and Gautam Singhania entered legal disputes regarding family and business matters, despite earlier transfer of Raymond Group control. These disagreements were eventually settled amicably. For contributions to Indian industry and broader public life, Vijaypat Singhania received the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, underscoring national acknowledgement of decades of work.