By Kobusiinge Monica
Kampala: It was pomp and glamour last Friday, as thousands filled up Serena Hotel, Kampala to witness the success story of an Indian entrepreneur Rajesh Chaplot, who has worked and stayed in Uganda for over 30 years.
It was a great moment as Rajesh pulled thousands and big government wigs including ministers, members of parliament and top Kampala businessmen and women, who cheered him in jubilations as he and his family celebrated a three-in-one event which included launching his book titled ‘Wheel And Compass’ of Life, his Biography as well as his journey of 55 years that has led to his early retirement.
Among the government, big wigs that graced Rajesh’s event include; former prime minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, State Minister for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry, Amelia Kyambadde, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem who was the chief guest among others.
Speaking to his guests, Chaplot applauded Ugandans for welcoming him and his family into the country that has since offered him great opportunities.
”You are the people who played a key role in making me and my family’s stay in Uganda comfortable, entertaining, meaningful, and fruitful. You are all the people who supported me in completing my life up to 55. You are the people, who made my life and work easy during my stay in Uganda. You are the people who offered me opportunities in Uganda. You are people who listened to my business issues and proposals for the betterment of Uganda,” he said.
Adding thus; ”I couldn’t have achieved great success without your support. Thank you for influencing my life and helping me become better. My biggest professional asset is not my past experience or educational background, it is the skills and smartness that I have learnt from each and every one of you”.
Speaking Shortly after launching his biography and book, Rajesh noted that the book is full of life lessons on all aspects of life including marriage, parenting, careers, and social life among others, therefore, a must-read for everyone.
”My Biography has been written with a motive to touch all phases of human life like childhood, student career, marriage life, life with children, social life and phase of life after 55. This is called the Wheel of life. With an unquestionable desire to come at the end of each chapter with Rajesh’s morals. These morals and their lessons make the book unique, which is the Direction of life at every phase,” Rajesh said.
Speaking during the event, Minister Okello Oryem acknowledged Rajesh’s contribution to Uganda’s economy as well as several other Indians across the globe who live their homes to go overseas and transform other countries’ economies with enthusiasm, hard work and commitment while giving a reference to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is of Indian origin but at the Helm of United Kingdom(British) who were once their colonisers.
Okello Oryem further noted that the government of Uganda is in the process of amending the constitution to allow Indians to become citizens in honour of their contributions to Uganda’s economy.
Adding his voice to the book launched, former prime minister Ruhakana Rugunda applauded Rajesh for sharing his knowledge and commitment with Ugandans further noting that ”every Ugandan will find an appropriate message to read in Rajesh’s book which highlights the importance of family, parenting, business and the country is looking forward to learning more from your knowledge and success”.
About Rajesh Chaplot
Rajesh Chaplot born on 18th July 1965 is an Indian Entrepreneur living in Kampala, Uganda. He is currently the CEO and Director of Various corporate entities in Printing, Packaging, IT, and Metal & Aluminum Fabrication.
He has been recently recognized by the Govt of India by awarding him with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Honour/Award) is an award constituted by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India in conjunction with the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Non-Resident Indian Day), to honour exceptional and meritorious contributions in their chosen field/profession and given by the President of India.
Chaplot also received the highest Civilian Award (Golden Jubilee Medal-Civilians) of Uganda which was presented by the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni for his contribution towards developing Uganda.
Rajesh Chaplot was born in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India to Late Shri Sampatlal Chaplot and Smt. Shyama Devi Chaplot with three brothers-Dr. Chander Chaplot, Dilip Chaplot, Prakash Chaplot.
Mr Rajesh Chaplot was brought up in Udaipur and did his schooling at St. Paul school, Udaipur, India and cleared his CA qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Delhi, India.
Starting from 1998 till date, he has been working as the CEO/Director of Various corporate in Uganda/Congo in the Printing, Packaging, IT and Aluminum fabrication industry.
Some of the companies include Graphics systems Uganda, Fabrication systems, Uganda, Crown & Packaging, Fuson Africa, Came Techedge services (Congo), and Manglam Africa (Uganda).
Rajesh Chaplot has served as the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (Kampala) General secretary for the Indian Business Forum, Uganda, Board member, of the Uganda Manufacturers Association, and Chairman, of the Indian Association, Uganda among other key positions in Uganda.
Rajesh Chaplot is married to Mrs Prathibha Chaplot Home Maker. They have two daughters-Krati Chaplot (Programme Administrator – London Business School, UK (LBS)) and Savi Chaplot (Actuarial Analyst in Oman Insurance Company, Dubai). His son-in-law is Mr Aditya Chordia, serving as the Vice President of J P Morgan, London.
