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Industrialist and Aviator

Vijaypat Singhania

Born 4 October 1938 · Maharashtra

Set the world record for highest altitude in a hot air balloon flight.

Vijaypat Singhania is a businessman and aviator from India. A member of the prominent Singhania family, he is well-known as a textile magnate, having been chairman and managing director of the Raymond Group from 1980–2000. In flight, he holds the world record for highest altitude gained in a hot air balloon and also set a microlight endurance record in 1988 by flying from London to Delhi in 23 days. He has authored a book-length memoir, the story of his microlight flight, and his autobiography.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 2005, at 67 years old, Vijaypat Singhania achieved a hot air balloon altitude record of approximately 69,000 feet, surviving near-space conditions with temperatures plummeting below -90°F.

The Story

1
✈️ In 1988, Vijaypat Singhania embarked on a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi, covering approximately 5,000 miles in 23 days, a feat that captured global attention for its endurance and daring.
2
In 1980, after the death of his uncle G.K. Singhania, Vijaypat took over as chairman of Raymond Group, transforming it from a traditional woolen textile mill into a diversified industrial conglomerate including synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, and cement over two decades.
3🎈 At the age of 67, in 2005, he set a world record by ascending to around 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon from Mumbai’s racecourse, enduring temperatures as low as -93°F, a record that still stands.
4In 1994, he was awarded the honorary rank of Air Commodore by the Indian Air Force, recognizing his exceptional achievements in aviation and adventure sports.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1988, Vijaypat flew a microlight solo from London to New Delhi over 23 days, covering about 5,000 miles, a feat requiring immense navigation skill and endurance.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Kanpur, Maharashtra
Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania was born into the prominent Singhania business family in Kanpur, starting his life in a legacy of industrialists.
1938
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Career
Became Chairman of Raymond Group
After the death of his uncle G.K. Singhania, Vijaypat took charge of Raymond, steering the company through significant diversification.
1980
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Other
Microlight Flight London to Delhi
Completed a solo microlight flight from London to New Delhi over 23 days, covering approximately 5,000 miles.
1988
🏅
Award
Honorary Air Commodore Rank
Indian Air Force conferred on him the honorary rank of Air Commodore for his aviation achievements.
1994
🏅
Award
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
Received the prestigious award from the Government of India recognizing his lifetime achievements in adventure and aviation.
2001
🌟
Other
World Record Hot Air Balloon Flight
Reached an altitude of approximately 69,000 feet in a hot air balloon launched from Mumbai, setting a world record.
2005
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Honored by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan for contributions to industry and society.
2006
⚡
Career
Transferred Raymond stake to son
Gave his entire 37% stake in Raymond Group to his son Gautam, initiating a public family feud.
2015
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Death
Passed away in Mumbai
Vijaypat Singhania died at the age of 87, concluding a life marked by business leadership and aviation records.
2026
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 05
👤PERSONAL

Despite disliking commerce as a student, Vijaypat only embraced business after teaching management at JBIMS, illustrating an unconventional path to industrial leadership.

Wikipedia
02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2005, his hot air balloon flight from Mumbai to Nashik lasted five hours, reaching near-space altitudes and enduring temperatures as low as -93°F, demonstrating extreme human endurance.

03 / 05
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai in 2006, a largely ceremonial role, reflecting his stature in civic and social spheres beyond business and aviation.

Wikipedia
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"If they hadn’t, I would have sensed something wrong."

— Vijaypat Singhania

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
कंबल मिल से Raymond Empire तक | Vijaypat Singhania Life Story | ‘Complete Man’ का अंत | VK3

🌱 What changed because of them

Vijaypat Singhania redefined Raymond from a textile mill into a household name associated with quality men's apparel and the 'Complete Man' identity, influencing Indian fashion and branding. His aviation records and recognition by the Indian Air Force inspired a new generation of Indian adventurers and aviators. His public family dispute also brought attention to governance challenges in family-owned businesses in India.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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