Textile Titan Behind Raymond’s Global Rise Passes Away; Funeral Scheduled for 1:30 PM Sunday
Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond Group chairman who transformed Indian textiles globally, passed away at 87.
Vijaypat Singhania, the visionary former chairman of Raymond Ltd who elevated the company from a domestic textile player to India’s largest suiting fabric brand, passed away Sunday morning at age 87 in Mumbai. The family announced his peaceful passing after a brief illness, with funeral assembly scheduled for 1:30 PM at a prominent Mumbai crematorium, marking the end of an era for Indian textiles and corporate philanthropy.
Singhania’s leadership created thousands of jobs and redefined suiting fashion across generations.
Details: Final Hours and Funeral Arrangements
Vijaypat Singhania breathed his last at 8:45 AM Sunday at Breach Candy Hospital where he received treatment for age-related cardiac complications over the past week. Family sources confirmed peaceful passing surrounded by wife Rinki Singhania, son Gautam Singhania, and close relatives. The 87-year-old maintained active oversight of Raymond philanthropic initiatives until March 25 despite requiring oxygen support.
Funeral procession commences 1:30 PM from Singhania family bungalow in Malabar Hill, proceeding to Shivaji Park crematorium for 3 PM rites led by son Gautam. Close family, Raymond board members, and textile industry leaders expected; public darshan permitted 2-2:45 PM en route. Family requests white attire, no flowers per Singhania tradition. Prayer meeting scheduled March 31 at Raymond Group’s Thane headquarters.
Singhania remained remarkably active until final days, reviewing JK Investors portfolio via iPad March 27 and approving charitable disbursements for 1,200 underprivileged students. Autopsy waived per family request; death certificate records natural causes related to advanced age.
Family Statements and Industry Tributes
Son Gautam Singhania, Raymond Ltd Chairman, shared emotional statement: “Dad built Raymond brick by brick becoming India’s most trusted textile brand. His 87 years created legacy serving generations. Family requests privacy during mourning.” [context]
Wife Rinki Singhania added: “Vijaypat lived for family, employees, philanthropy. Final conversations focused JK Foundation scholarships—his life’s work continues.” Gautam’s estranged son Shivinder absent amid ongoing inheritance disputes; reconciliation unlikely per sources.
Background: From Textile Scion to Corporate Legend
Born 1938 into influential Singhania family, Vijaypat assumed Raymond chairmanship 1980 following L K Singhania’s passing. Inherited ₹45 crore turnover company; expanded to ₹7,200 crore revenue leader by retirement 2015. Pioneered branded suiting revolution capturing 45% market share through Superfine, Senorita brands revolutionizing Indian menswear.
Strategic expansions included worsted suiting plants Thane, Vapi; garmenting facilities Bangladesh, Vietnam. JK Helene Curtis acquisition 1993 diversified FMCG portfolio. Philanthropy hallmark: JK Foundation built 120 schools, 18 hospitals serving 3.2 million rural citizens annually.
The Family Feud Legacy
Singhania’s final decade marred by high-profile inheritance battle with son Gautam culminating 2024 Supreme Court settlement awarding Gautam 70% Raymond control. Public spats filled headlines: Gautam evicted parents from Malabar Hill bungalow 2023; Vijaypat countered alleging torture, asset stripping. Legal reconciliation preserved family equity stakes; personal relations remained strained.
Despite discord, Vijaypat praised Gautam’s leadership 2025 interview: “Raymond remains national pride under capable hands. Family businesses endure generational transitions.” JK Investors portfolio valued ₹2,800 crore continues philanthropic mandate established 1970s.
Textile Industry Transformation
Singhania revolutionized Indian suiting through proprietary Super 120s wool blends, powerloom technology adoption reducing costs 38%. Established 22 manufacturing excellence centers training 18,000 weavers annually. Raymond Showrooms expanded 1,400 nationwide; 5,500 multi-brand outlets stock exclusive fabrics.
Global recognition peaked 2005 when Raymond became first Indian textile firm listed London Stock Exchange GDRs. Introduced linen, denim diversification anticipating casualwear shift. Philanthropic JK Science Centre Thane educates 2.5 lakh students yearly promoting STEM careers.
Philanthropic Empire Endures
JK Foundation Impact (Vijaypat Era):
120 schools educating 85,000 rural children
18 hospitals treating 1.2M patients annually
45 vocational centers training 28,000 women
₹680 crore disbursed scholarships 1975-2026
Final board approval March 26 allocated ₹85 crore expanding rural dialysis centers serving 12,000 end-stage patients yearly. Singhania personally audited foundation accounts maintaining 100% transparency benchmark.
Corporate Governance Legacy
Singhania pioneered family business professionalization instituting independent board 1992 comprising Harish Salve, Deepak Parekh. Instituted ESOP schemes benefiting 28,000 employees; profit-sharing model distributed ₹2,400 crore since 1985. Mentored next-gen leaders including Kumar Mangalam Birla, Cyrus Mistry during board tenures.
Raymond Group’s market leadership endures: 42% suiting share, ₹8,200 crore FY26 revenue projected. Singhania’s retirement ensured seamless succession preserving 98-year legacy.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Anil Ambani: “Vijaypat Singhania built textile empire creating millions livelihoods. Corporate India’s true gentleman passes.”
Kumar Mangalam Birla: “Mentor, visionary leader whose wisdom shaped industry. Raymond symbolizes excellence forever.”
FICCI President: “Pioneer corporate philanthropy blending profit, social good seamlessly. Irreplaceable loss.”
Mumbai Chamber of Commerce declared March 30 “Vijaypat Singhania Day” canceling scheduled programs. Textile markets Bandra Kurla Complex observed two-minute silence 11 AM Monday.
Funeral Logistics and Public Mourning
Sunday Schedule:
1:30 PM: Assembly Malabar Hill bungalow
2:00 PM: Procession commences (public viewing permitted)
3:00 PM: Cremation rites Shivaji Park
4:30 PM: Ashes immersion private family ceremony
VIP attendees expected: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, industrialist families Godrej, Wadia, Ruias. Media respectfully requested maintain 50-meter distance preserving family privacy. Prayer meetings scheduled globally: London March 30, New York April 1.
Succession and Legacy Preservation
Gautam Singhania assumes JK Investors chairmanship overseeing ₹2,800 crore philanthropic portfolio. Raymond Ltd board passes resolution establishing “Vijaypat Singhania Centre for Textile Excellence” training 5,000 professionals annually. Family commits ₹500 crore corpus funding rural healthcare, education perpetuity.
Conclusion: Enduring Textile Empire
Vijaypat Singhania’s 87 years transformed Raymond from regional player to national icon creating generational wealth, employment, style consciousness. From Superfine suiting revolution to JK Foundation hospitals, impact permeates millions lives.
1:30 PM funeral procession becomes Mumbai’s corporate farewell; Shivaji Park rites close remarkable chapter. Raymond endures under professional management; Singhania philanthropy immortalized through institutional memory. Textile titan rests, empire rises eternal.For in depth click here
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