KAMPALA, Aug. 30 — Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia has thanked the Pan-African Pyramid for recognising the humanitarian legacy of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, saying the posthumous honour was a meaningful tribute to a life dedicated to helping others.

“I would like to thank the Pan-African Pyramid for recognising Rajiv and for keeping his memory alive,” Sudhir said while receiving the award on his son’s behalf at the 9th Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards in Kampala on Saturday.

Rajiv, who died aged 35, was honoured posthumously for his philanthropic and humanitarian contribution. The award was presented to his father during a ceremony at Speke Resort Munyonyo attended by politicians, diplomats, business leaders and Pan-African activists.

The recognition was made under the theme, “Remembering the Humanitarian Legacy of our Comrade, Rajiv Ruparelia.”

Rajiv was known for his philanthropy and support for community initiatives, particularly efforts aimed at improving the lives of people around him.

His father’s acceptance of the award came against a backdrop of tributes to Rajiv following his death, with speakers at the ceremony describing his relatively short life as one that nevertheless left a lasting mark.

Pan-African Pyramid founding chairman Andrew Irumba Katusabe said the award was intended to celebrate Rajiv’s contribution rather than focus on the circumstances of his death.

“The measure of a life is not how long one lives, but how deeply one impacts humanity,” Irumba said.

He noted that Rajiv died at 35, the same age as Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba when he was assassinated, and used the examples of other influential figures who died young to argue that longevity was not the only measure of a meaningful life.

Irumba said Rajiv’s humanitarian outlook reflected values central to Pan-Africanism, including solidarity, service and putting people at the centre of development.

“True success is not merely what we accumulate. It is what we give,” he said.

Rajiv died following a fatal accident after returning to Uganda from Britain to attend a friend’s wedding. His death at 35 cut short his involvement in business and philanthropic activities.

The PAP award adds to efforts by the Ruparelia family and others to preserve his memory by highlighting his contribution to communities and causes he supported.

The awards ceremony also marked the 12th anniversary of the Pan-African Pyramid, an organisation that promotes African unity, integration and development.

The event was held as the organisation renewed its call for greater continental integration, with Irumba urging African leaders to pursue a more united Africa in which people, businesses and ideas can move more freely across national borders.