Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia shared an emotional tribute marking one year since their son, Rajiv Ruparelia, passed away. They described a sorrow that remains very real but has slowly become a part of their daily lives.
In their message, titled “A Year in the Light of Rajiv’s Memory,” the couple reflected on the pain of losing a child while expressing gratitude to the many Ugandans who supported them during this tough year.
“To lose a son is to live with a silence the world cannot fully understand, a quiet pain that time does not remove, but slowly transforms,” the tribute said.
Rajiv Ruparelia, known as both a businessman and rally driver, died in a road accident. His death prompted tributes from political leaders, members of the business community, and motorsport fans across Uganda. He played an active leadership role at the Ruparelia Group, which invests in real estate, hospitality, education, and finance. In motorsport, he earned a reputation as one of Uganda’s most talented rally drivers.
In the tribute, Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia said their connection to their son lives on through memories, stories, and acts of kindness inspired by his life.
The family also thanked friends, supporters, and Ugandans from all walks of life for the prayers, compassion, and encouragement they received since his passing.
To mark the anniversary on May 3, the family organized several activities in honor of Rajiv’s memory. The day started with a prosthetic limb outreach at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where over 40 amputees either received prosthetic support or were assessed for prosthetic limbs. The family noted that this initiative reflected Rajiv’s passion for helping others.
Later, a memorial drive took place from RR Towers to Speke Resort Munyonyo, gathering members of Uganda’s motorsport community, friends, and admirers to celebrate his love for rally racing and cars.
The tribute ended with a message stating that their memories of Rajiv go beyond the passage of time.
“Though a year has gone by, our remembrance of him remains timeless, enduring, beautiful, and everlasting.”
