Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman, Padma Bhushan awardee and aviator, passes away

Vijaypat Singhania, former chairman of Raymond Ltd and a Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away on Saturday.

Vijaypat Singhania, a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, was also a keen aviator and held a world record for the highest altitude gained in a hot air balloon.

He led Raymond as chairman for two decades till 2000. After handing over the reins of the company to Gautam, Vijaypat also transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the company to his son.


Born in 1938, Vijaypat Singhania was an Indian entrepreneur and accomplished aviator who played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of Raymond Ltd. He led the Raymond Group as its chairman from 1980 to 2015, steering the company through decades of expansion and transformation.

Singhania helmed Raymond for over two decades until 2000, after which he stepped down and handed over leadership to his son, Gautam Singhania, transferring his entire 37% stake in the company.

His contributions to industry and public life earned him several honours, including an honorary PhD from the London Institute of Technology & Research. The Government of India also conferred upon him the Padma Bhushan in 2006.

In recognition of his achievements beyond business, the Indian Air Force appointed him an Honorary Air Commodore in 1994, and he was named Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006.