Kerala’s adopted daughter Pepita Seth becomes an Indian citizen at 84

Celebrated writer, photographer, and Padma awardee Pepita Seth, whose work brought Kerala’s culture and art to global attention, has officially become an Indian citizen, marking an emotional milestone in a life deeply intertwined with the the State’s traditions.

At a citizenship document handover ceremony held at the district collectorate on Friday (February 6, 2026), Ms. Seth received her Indian citizenship papers from District Collector Arjun Pandian. Describing the occasion as rare and special, the Collector said it recognised Ms. Seth’s extraordinary contribution to taking Kerala’s cultural heritage to the world.

Often referred to as Kerala’s adopted daughter, the moment held profound personal meaning for Ms. Seth. “I feel immensely proud to become an Indian at the age of 84,” she said, adding that India had long been her true home. With the formal handover of documents, her long-cherished wish to acquire Indian citizenship has now received official recognition.

Born in Britain, her fascination with India began through the diary of her maternal grandfather, who had served in the British Army. At the age of 27, she set out to explore the country’s diversity — a journey that would shape her life and work. Her love for photography and writing eventually brought her to Thrissur, which she came to regard as a home rivalling her birthplace.

Deepened bond

Through her lens, she captured some of the most evocative images of Kerala’s cultural life — its elephants, temple festivals, sacred groves, rituals, art forms, and everyday rhythms. One of her most iconic photographs, featuring the legendary Guruvayur Kesavan in musth, scattering palm leaves and soil, drew worldwide attention. In 1981, she also obtained formal permission under Hindu custom to enter temples, including the Guruvayur Sreekrishna temple — an extraordinary gesture of acceptance that further deepened her bond with the land.

Her contributions were nationally recognised in 2012, when she was conferred the Padma Shri for documenting and interpreting Kerala’s cultural and artistic traditions for a global audience.

Ms. Seth was married to renowned actor Roshan Seth, who portrayed Jawaharlal Nehru in Richard Attenborough’s internationally acclaimed film Gandhi. Speaking at the collectorate, she expressed her joy that the land she loved so deeply had now embraced her as its own daughter.

Before leaving, Ms. Seth presented a copy of her acclaimed book In God’s Mirror: The Theyyams of Malabar to the Collector.