Industrialist Vijaypat Singhania leaves behind an unparalleled corporate legacy
Padma Bhushan awardee and former Raymond Group chairman Vijaypat Singhania died on Saturday at the age of 87. His son, Gautam Singhania, announced the news via social media, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the visionary leader. Final rites are scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Chandanwadi in Mumbai.
Building a Global Textile Empire
Taking charge of Raymond, Vijaypat transformed a domestic fabric manufacturer into an internationally recognized apparel powerhouse. He expanded production lines and introduced premium suiting to broader demographics. Interestingly, his strategy to open exclusive showrooms in emerging tier-two markets like Bhubaneswar during the late 20th century permanently altered India's retail fashion landscape.
Aviation Records and Bitter Succession
Beyond boardrooms, this industrialist harbored an intense love for the skies. He achieved global recognition in 2005 by piloting a hot air balloon past 69,000 feet, securing a world record for his age group. Furthermore, he regularly flew microlight aircraft, championing domestic aviation causes.
Unfortunately, severe family friction overshadowed his later life. After transferring corporate control to Gautam, their relationship completely deteriorated. He publicly accused his son of evicting him from JK House and stripping away his assets. Consequently, he spent his final years living independently, far removed from the multibillion-dollar enterprise he constructed from the ground up.
