First ever president of independent Zambia, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, is no more. This is the sad news the Zambian citizen woke up to a few days before. It was also a shocking and saddening news for the Mahtani family, who had close personal and professional friendship with the late Ex-President of Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani is a noted businessman, philanthropist and charity worker in Zambia. He is known for his several successful companies such as Mahtani Group of Companies, Finsbury Investments and Finance Bank Zambia. He is also noted for his significant contributions towards the development of Zambian nation and economy through charity work and philanthropic contributions. Dr. Rajan Mahtani expressed his deepest condolences to the Kaunda family and the entire Zambian nation via his Eulogy. Dr. Rajan Mahtani and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda have shared several similarities. For instance, both personalities have established their life around integrity, honesty and transparency. Both have an esteemed respect for sacrificial engagement, devotion and faith towards god and both have been an ideal family man. While Dr. Mahtani dedicated his life with his business ventures that aimed towards improving the life, economy and social status of the Zambian citizens, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda fought for the independence of the Zambian nation and was regarded as the ‘Father of the Zambian nation & African Union’. In fact, Dr. Kaunda collaborated with the father of Dr. Mahtani, late Lekhraj Mahtani, and received significant support in the fight for the Zambian independence.
Dr. Kaunda’s sad demise certainly opens the historical chapters of the Zambian nation. Dr. Mahtani, in his eulogy, urged Zambians to embrace his legacy of ‘One Zambia, one Nation’ as well as pan-Africanism and live life with honesty and integrity.
