Who was Vijaypat Singhania, man behind Raymond’s rise?
Mumbai: Vijaypat Singhania, the veteran industrialist and former chairman of the Raymond Group, passed away on Saturday evening in Mumbai at the age of 87. Known for his rare combination of corporate acumen and adventurous spirit, Singhania’s life extended far beyond boardrooms, making him a figure of fascination both in business and public life.
Singhania steered Raymond through two decades of growth from 1980 to 2000, diversifying the company into sectors such as synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, cement, and industrial products. Under his leadership, the brand became a household name in India, embodying the tagline ‘The Complete Man’. In 2000, he handed over control of the company to his son Gautam Singhania, transferring his 37 per cent stake and marking a smooth succession in one of India’s most prominent business families.
But Singhania’s legacy was not confined to corporate success.
A passionate aviator, he completed a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi in 1988 and set a world record in 2005 by reaching approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon. His exploits earned him the honorary rank of Air Commodore from the Indian Air Force and the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for Lifetime Achievement.
He also embraced public service, briefly serving as the Sheriff of Mumbai and chairing the governing council of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. His contributions to industry and society were recognised with the Padma Bhushan in 2006.
Singhania’s personal life, like his professional one, was marked by independence and candour. He navigated family disputes and succession debates openly, offering rare insights into the challenges of generational transitions in Indian business houses.
He is survived by his wife, Ashadevi Singhania, and their children Madhupati, Shephali, and Gautam. With his passing, India bids farewell to a man whose life blended vision, courage, and adventure, truly embodying the spirit of ‘The Complete Man’.