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British-born Padma Shri Pepita Seth Fulfills Dream, Becomes Indian Citizen

British-born Padma Shri awardee Pepita Seth has officially become an Indian citizen through naturalisation in Thrissur, Kerala. She had applied for citizenship in 2024 after residing in the state for more than five decades. Seth, a writer and photographer, is renowned for documenting Kerala's temple arts, rituals, and culture, which led to her receiving India's fourth-highest civilian award. She expressed immense happiness, calling the acquisition of citizenship the fulfillment of a long-held dream.

Key Points: Pepita Seth: British Writer Gets Indian Citizenship After 50 Years

  • Lived in Kerala for over 50 years
  • Applied for citizenship in 2024
  • Awarded Padma Shri in 2012
  • Authored books on Guruvayur and Theyyam
  • British-born writer and photographer
2 min read

British-born Padma Shri Pepita Seth acquires Indian citizenship in Kerala

Padma Shri awardee Pepita Seth acquires Indian citizenship in Kerala after 5 decades. The writer-photographer dedicated her life to documenting Kerala's culture.

"I am happy to be here and happy to have become an Indian citizen. My dream. - Pepita Seth"

Thrissur, February 7

British-born Padma Shri awardee Pepita Seth has officially acquired Indian citizenship after residing in Kerala for over 50 years, marking a significant milestone in her long association with the state's rich culture and heritage. Seth, who initially came to India from the UK and grew interested in the local culture, had applied for citizenship in 2024.

District Collector Arjun Pandian said, "She has been staying here for over 50 years, and she applied for Indian citizenship in 2024. By citizenship acquired by naturalisation, we hand over the certificate today."

Speaking to ANI, Pepita Seth expressed her happiness to be an Indian Citizen. She said, "I am happy to be here and happy to have become an Indian citizen. My dream. Buddy."

Sharing her journey, Papita Seth told ANI, "I was born and brought up in the UK. After some time, I developed an interest in travel and came to India. Gradually, I travelled from Delhi to Bombay and then on to Kerala, North Kerala and then all over Kerala. Saw Kathakali like everybody coming here, went to see Theyyam, went to see other cultural activities, got to know people, saw Melams, saw Uttralikkavu, things like that and gradually got interested more and more and more in the Kerala culture and began taking photographs and began writing about it and I stayed in Thrissur because it was a very good focus point to travel to and from and now I came to this flat here and I have stayed here for 12 years or something. I have written two books, one on Guruvayur and one on Theyyam, and generally, I am interested in Kerala culture. I have said as much as I can about how I got here.

Pepita Seth is a British-born writer and photographer. Her photography includes the temple arts and rituals of Kerala and the captive elephant, Guruvayur Keshavan. In 2012, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for her work in art and culture.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is heartwarming. She came as a traveler and stayed as a devotee of Kerala's art forms. Her work on Theyyam and Guruvayur is invaluable. It's people like her who help preserve our heritage for future generations. A well-deserved citizenship.
A
Aman W
Respect! But I have to ask - why did it take so long? 50 years is a lifetime. The process should be smoother for genuine contributors. That said, congratulations to her. Thrissur is lucky to have such a resident.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has also fallen in love with India (though I've only been here 5 years), this is inspiring. It shows that home isn't always where you're born, but where your heart finds its purpose. Amazing journey.
K
Karthik V
Her story is the perfect example of "Atithi Devo Bhava" – the guest becomes God. She arrived as a guest, immersed herself completely, and has now become one of us. A true cultural ambassador. Kerala's culture has that magnetic pull! 🎭
N
Nisha Z
Writing books on Guruvayur and Theyyam... that's no small feat. These are deeply spiritual subjects. It requires immense respect and sensitivity, which she clearly has. Wishing her many more happy years in God's Own Country.

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