Indian Industrialist Vijaypat Singhania Dies at 87

Mumbai, India – Prominent industrialist and aviation pioneer Vijaypat Singhania, former chairman of the Raymond Group and recipient of India's Padma Bhushan award, died peacefully on Saturday evening at the age of 87.

His son, Gautam Singhania, who now leads the Raymond Group, confirmed the death in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania," Gautam wrote. He described his father as "a visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations." A spokesperson for the Raymond Group echoed the sentiment in a statement, noting that Singhania's contributions would endure.

Singhania's death marks the end of an era for one of India's most influential business figures. He assumed leadership of the Raymond Group in 1980 as chairman and managing director, steering the textile company through significant growth well before India's economic liberalization in 1991. Under his guidance, Raymond expanded beyond traditional suiting fabrics into synthetic materials, denim, steel, industrial tools, cement, and hospitality,...