India needs more like Vijaypat Singhania to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 dream
Vijaypat Singhania was an industry titan whose heart belonged to the sky and adventure. The textile magnate, who wore many caps, loved flying and made history. He was a rare corporate leader who indulged in risky manoeuvres beyond the boardroom.
Singhania assumed the leadership of Raymond in 1980 at a young age, and served as Chairman and Managing Director of the Group until 2000. Much before the economic liberalisation of 1991, he appeared far ahead of his time. He was forward-looking and took risks, pushing innovative initiatives and bringing about major transformation in the textile sector.
His decision made Raymond a household name in India in an era that did not have the internet, let alone social media. Singhania invested in branding, and his risk-taking moves to diversify the business paid off. His brand became synonymous with the ‘Complete Man’, resonating with the evolving identity of the Indian man.
From traditional woollen manufacturing, he went on to diversify into synthetic fabrics, denim, and more. In the 1990s, Raymond put India on the global map. Subsidiary menswear brands such as Park Avenue and Parx were also launched. Under his leadership, the brand became synonymous with quality and refinement in Indian fashion.
He also took initiatives to launch business enterprises in the steel, industrial files, and cement sectors. As an entrepreneur constantly seeking new avenues, Singhania ventured into the manufacture of automotive and engineering products such as starter gears, flex plates, water pump bearings, and machined components.
His approach reflected a wider ambition to position Indian industry on a global footing. He was ahead of his time and can be seen as a major contributor to the ‘Made in India’ concept in its early years. A rare kind of industrialist, Singhania was not one to rest on his laurels. He remained restless with new ideas, and for him, the horizon was the limit. He had a deep love for aviation. In 1988, he set a world record for microlight aircraft by flying solo from London to India over 23 days. His most remarkable achievement came in November 2005, when he was 67. Beginning from a Mumbai racecourse, the flight took him into extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping to –93°C inside a pressurised capsule. Ascending to approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon, he landed near Nashik several hours later, setting a world record. The record was certified by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
In 1994, the Indian Air Force conferred on him the honorary rank of Air Commodore in recognition of the over 5,000 hours of flying he had logged. The sky was truly the limit for the passionate aviator. In the same year, he won a gold medal in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale air race. In 2005, he was awarded a gold medal by the Royale Aero Club. In 2006, he was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai. In March 2007, Singhania was appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, a role he held until 2012.
‘Raymond – The Complete Man’ is not just a tagline we grew up with; it set trends and pioneered several business directions. Tributes highlighted Singhania’s multifaceted personality—his adventurous spirit, innovative ideas, diversification initiatives, marketing vision, and passion for aviation, notwithstanding his age. They also acknowledged his significant role in shaping the Indian textile industry and transforming it into a leading global brand.
Singhania has left behind a monumental legacy. He will be long remembered as a visionary. India needs more people like Singhania to achieve the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
