MUMBAI, March 29 -- Former Raymond Group chairperson Vijaypat Singhania died on Saturday evening in a South Mumbai hospital. He was 87. He was admitted to hospital on Friday due to aged-related issues. He will be cremated at the Chandanwadi crematorium at Marine Lines on Sunday afternoon. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006, Singhania was a colossus of Indian industry and an audacious aviator, setting a world record for reaching the highest altitude in a hot air balloon. Singhania fought a long battle with son Gautam, the present chairperson and managing director of the Raymond Group, over succession and property issues. The two never reconciled. As head of the Raymond Group from 1980 to 2000, Singhania took the Raymond brand to new heights. He expanded it into synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, industrial files and cement - forging a diversified industrial conglomerate that reflected his belief in the limitless potential of Indian enterprise. The Government of India gave him the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for his aviation exploits, and the Padma Bhushan for his lifetime achievements. The Indian Air Force named him Honorary Air Commodore in 1994. Singhania was named sheriff of Mumbai in 2006. Inspired by JRD Tata, Singhania accumulated over 5,000 hours of flying experience by 2003, a testament to a lifelong devotion to the skies. In 1988, he set a microlight endurance record by completing a 23-day solo flight from London to Delhi. Singhania, chronicled his aviation journey in a memoir titled 'The Angel in My Cockpit', expressing the spirit of wonder that defined everything he did in the air....