Dr. Sudhir, Jyotsna Ruparelia Launch 100 Scholarships To Keep Rajiv’s Legacy Alive

By Gad Masereka

The gentle hum of celebration filled the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo as graduates, parents, and dignitaries gathered for Victoria University’s 9th Graduation Ceremony. Yet beyond the pomp and academic pride, the day carried a tone of heartfelt remembrance and purpose. Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife, Jyotsna, founders of the Ruparelia Foundation, stood before the crowd with a message that transcended business success and philanthropy. In honour of their late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, the couple announced 100 full scholarships to outstanding students, a gesture that turned grief into an enduring gift of opportunity.

The scholarships, to be awarded to the best-performing undergraduate students of the 2025 class to pursue Master’s degrees, were described by the university as a profound tribute to Rajiv’s spirit of mentorship and generosity. “So many lives were shaped by his kindness and compassion. This is a beautiful way to keep his legacy alive,” read a message from Victoria University’s official X account shortly after the ceremony. The moment stirred deep emotion among the attendees, many of whom remembered Rajiv not only as a businessman but also as a mentor and passionate advocate for youth empowerment.

Presiding over the ceremony was His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, whose presence underlined the national significance of the event. The theme, “The Future of Work: Competence, AI, and Global Readiness,” reflected the university’s ongoing efforts to prepare students for a fast-changing job market defined by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga used his address to reaffirm Victoria University’s commitment to competence-based education and technology-driven learning. He explained that while the world is bracing for massive disruptions in employment due to AI, the university had already embedded digital skills training across its curriculum. “By 2030, Artificial Intelligence is expected to create 170 million new jobs globally, while about 92 million existing ones will disappear. At Victoria University, every student receives free AI training so they can thrive in that future,” he said, drawing applause from the graduates.

Dr. Muganga highlighted the university’s growing international recognition, citing awards from Afro Global Television in Toronto and a commendation from the Parliament of Canada for its contribution to human capital development in Africa. He described the scholarship initiative as symbolic of the values the institution seeks to instill — excellence, resilience, and social responsibility.

The event also marked a major milestone in the university’s history with the graduation of its first class of law students, a moment that signified the institution’s academic expansion and ambition. The Victoria University Law Society praised the pioneer cohort for setting the tone for generations to come, calling them “trailblazers who have turned vision into history.”

For the Ruparelia family, however, the day was deeply personal. Rajiv, who passed away earlier this year, had been a driving force behind the family’s educational and social projects. Through his leadership at the Ruparelia Foundation and his active role in Victoria University, he became a symbol of youthful innovation and commitment to national development.

“Rajiv believed that education changes everything,” said a close associate of the family after the ceremony. “These scholarships ensure that his belief will continue to touch lives for years to come.”

As the sun dipped over Lake Victoria, the ceremony ended with music, smiles, and quiet reflection. For many, the scholarships represented more than financial support — they embodied hope, continuity, and the enduring impact of a young man whose life, though brief, continues to inspire a generation.

With 2,500 graduates receiving their degrees, Victoria University reaffirmed its place as one of Uganda’s most dynamic institutions of higher learning. And for the Ruparelia family, the day stood as proof that love and legacy, when woven into education, can transform loss into lasting light.