Sudhir pledges 100 master’s scholarships in honour of late son Rajiv at Victoria University graduation

Sudhir Ruparelia has pledged 100 fully funded Master’s scholarships for outstanding Ugandan students in memory of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, during Victoria University’s graduation ceremony.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala as the university conferred degrees upon more than 2,500 students. The scholarships aim to promote innovation, digital skills and job creation, continuing the educational legacy championed by Rajiv Ruparelia.

Rajiv Ruparelia, a key figure in the university’s growth since its founding in 2013, died in a motor vehicle accident in May at the age of 35.

Standing alongside his wife, Jyotsna, Sudhir made the emotional announcement.

“These scholarships embody Rajiv’s unyielding passion for nurturing tomorrow’s leaders—may they carry his spirit forward,” he said. The gesture was met with a standing ovation from graduates and their families.

The program aligns with the Ruparelia Foundation’s previous philanthropic efforts, which have included providing tuition relief during the Covid-19 pandemic and awarding more than 1,000 scholarships in the past.

The initiative is seen as a way to address critical skills shortages in Uganda, where data shows that only about 23% of the youth population secure formal employment.

Dr Lawrence Muganga, the university’s vice chancellor, described the commitment as a profound act of remembrance and forward momentum.

Chief guest, His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, praised the family’s resilience and urged the scholarship recipients to use the opportunity to innovate for societal benefit.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Innovation, Digitality and Employability,” also included an emotional video tribute to Rajiv Ruparelia.

Applications for the scholarships, which will be awarded based on merit, are expected to open shortly via the university’s online portal.