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Raymond Patriarch: A Maverick Industrialist's Legacy
29 Mar
Summary
- Singhania led Raymond from 1980 to 2000, expanding its business interests.
- He was an audacious aviator, receiving an Honorary Air Commodore title.
- Awarded Padma Bhushan in 2026 for significant national achievements.
Industrialist Vijaypat Singhania, a prominent figure from the Raymond Group, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 87. Known for his larger-than-life persona, Singhania was instrumental in shaping the Raymond brand, carrying it with him throughout his leadership.
He served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group from 1980 to 2000. During his tenure, Singhania significantly expanded the company's reach beyond textiles into sectors like synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files, and cement.
Beyond his business acumen, Singhania was an adventurous individual and an accomplished aviator. In 1994, the Indian Air Force bestowed upon him the title of Honorary Air Commodore, and he also received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for his exploits in aviation. Notably, in November 2005, at 67, he ascended to approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon.
His remarkable achievements were recognized with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, awarded in 2026. Singhania was also the founder of the newspaper Indian Post, which he established with a commitment to editorial independence.
