Kerala’s adopted daughter, Padma Shri Awardee Pepita Seth receives Indian citizenship at 80

Padma Shri awardee and celebrated photographer-writer Pepita Seth, widely regarded as Kerala’s adopted daughter, has officially become an Indian citizen, marking a significant moment in the cultural history of the state.

Citizenship documents were handed over to the 80-year-old by District Collector Arjun Pandian at a formal ceremony held at the Collectorate on Friday.

Originally from Britain, Pepita Seth expressed joy and pride on receiving Indian citizenship after decades of deep association with the country, particularly Kerala. “I am proud to be an Indian,” she said after receiving the citizenship certificate.

District Collector Arjun Pandian described the occasion as a rare and proud moment, highlighting Seth’s lifelong contribution to preserving and promoting Kerala’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage.

Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2012, Pepita Seth has been closely associated with Kerala’s culture, festivals, temples, elephants and traditional art forms for several decades. Her iconic photograph of Guruvayur Kesavan, captured at Madapadu with palm leaves and soil flying through the air, drew international attention to Kerala’s temple culture and ritual traditions.

Pepita’s journey to India began at the age of 27, inspired by the diary of her maternal grandfather, a British soldier who had served in the country. Her passion for photography and writing gradually led to a deep emotional and cultural bond with Kerala, particularly Thrissur, which she often described as a foster mother that surpassed her birthplace.

In 1981, she received special permission to enter temples, including the renowned Guruvayur Temple, after strictly adhering to Hindu customs—an exceptional privilege at the time.

Pepita Seth was also the life partner of acclaimed actor Roshan Seth, known internationally for portraying Jawaharlal Nehru in Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-winning film Gandhi.

As a gesture of gratitude, Pepita presented her books In God’s Mirror and The Temples of Malabar to the District Collector during the ceremony.