Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman, dies at 87 in Mumbai

Vijaypat Singhania, former Raymond chairman, Padma Bhushan awardee and noted aviator, has passed away.He died in Mumbai at the age of 87.His son Gautam Singhania, chairman and managing director of the Raymond Group, announced the death on microblogging platform X.A company spokesperson said Singhania passed away “peacefully” and his last rites will be performed on Sunday, reported PTI.A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Vijaypat Singhania was known not only for his leadership at Raymond but also for his passion for aviation. He held a world record for achieving the highest altitude in a hot air balloon.He led Raymond as chairman for around two decades until 2000, after which he handed over the reins of the company to Gautam Singhania. He had also transferred his entire 37 per cent stake in the company to his son.Vijaypat Singhania and Gautam Singhania were later involved in legal disputes, which were subsequently resolved.