Sudhir Ruparelia Dedicates RR Pearl Tower to Late Son Rajiv in Heartfelt Tribute

In a moving ceremony that blended grief, resilience, and vision, city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia unveiled the RR Pearl Tower One. This gleaming skyscraper now stands as both a business hub and a deeply personal memorial to his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia. The tower, part of the ambitious Pearl Business Park project, has been renamed from its original “Pearl Tower One” to carry Rajiv’s initials — RR — ensuring that his legacy becomes an enduring part of Kampala’s skyline.

Rajiv, who tragically died on May 3, 2025, at just 35 years old, was celebrated not only as the heir apparent of the Ruparelia business empire but also as a philanthropist and sports enthusiast whose life was cut short in a car accident. He had been on his way to serve as a groomsman at a friend’s wedding.

At the official unveiling, Sudhir expressed the weight of the moment, describing the building as “more than a structure; a symbol of memory and hope for generations.” He further emphasised that while the Pearl Business Park represents the family’s long-term vision for urban development, dedicating its first tower to Rajiv was an act of love and remembrance.

The emotional ceremony began with Havan prayers, a Hindu ritual of purification and blessing, reflecting the family’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The highlight came when Rajiv’s mother, Jyotsna Ruparelia, lit a candle beneath a portrait of her late son — his familiar smile bringing both comfort and heartbreak to the gathered family, friends, and business associates. The gesture drew tears from many, as it symbolised a mother’s eternal bond with her child.

The initials “RR” were chosen not only to represent Rajiv’s name but also to echo his daring spirit as a rally driver under the RR Rally Team, a venture that made him a household name in Uganda’s motorsport community. By placing those initials atop one of Kampala’s newest architectural landmarks, the family has effectively fused Rajiv’s adventurous energy with the city’s evolving landscape.

Beyond his passion for sports, Rajiv had already carved out a reputation as the “modern face” of the Ruparelia empire. He championed new investments in real estate, hospitality, and community development, often advocating for innovative approaches to business that appealed to a younger generation. His philanthropic projects, ranging from education to youth empowerment, left a mark that friends and associates described as “visionary yet deeply human.”

Business leaders, politicians, and members of Kampala’s high society who attended the launch praised Sudhir for transforming personal grief into a monumental legacy. Many remarked that the RR Pearl Tower One was not only a tribute to Rajiv but also a testament to the Ruparelia family’s resilience and their commitment to shaping Uganda’s future.

The unveiling of RR Pearl Tower One marks the beginning of the Pearl Business Park, an ambitious development expected to redefine the city’s commercial landscape with state-of-the-art office spaces, luxury facilities, and modern amenities. For Sudhir, however, its first tower carries a meaning beyond business — it stands as a permanent monument to a son whose life, though brief, was lived with courage, innovation, and heart.

As twilight fell over Kampala, the illuminated initials “RR” atop the tower glowed against the evening sky — a beacon of remembrance, ensuring that the name Rajiv Ruparelia will continue to inspire, even in his absence.

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