Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is one of the most recognised businessman in Zambia. His companies have achieved significant success and recognition over the course of his reputable business career. His companies such as Mahtani Group of Companies, Finsbury Investments, Portland Cement Zambia and Finance Bank Zambia have achieved significant success. At the same time, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is noted for his significant charitable and philanthropic activities. One of these philanthropic contributions has been launching the Steven Malama award in honour of the late Steven Malama. Steven Malama was a close friend of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and knowing his significant contributions towards the development of the Zambian legal infrastructure, Dr. Rajan Mahtani did the right thing of instituting an award in his name.
The award is given every year to the top graduating student from the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education. The student also has to qualify for the bar in their first attempt to be eligible for the award. The award carries a plaque and award money worth K15,000. The award for the year 2018-19 was received by Emmanuel Bwalya Kaluba. After winning this award, Emmanuel shared his gratitude via an article which was published at the ‘Reader’s Forum’ of Daily Mail. In this article, he shared his gratitude for Dr. Rajan Mahtani and his significant contributions in recognising hardworking and passionate law students from the institute. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was also praised for his down-to-earth attitude as Dr. Mahtani is known to share a hand-written congratulatory note to the winning student for his dedication and hard work. Dr. Rajan Mahtani continues to work for the development and betterment of the Zambian nation.