Kerala’s ‘Adopted Daughter’: Who Is Pepita Seth? British-Born Padma Shri Awardee Is All Over News Because...

Pepita Seth’s relationship with India spans decades, but a recent moment made it official in a way it had never been before. At the age of 84, the British-born Padma Shri awardee has been granted Indian citizenship after living in the country for more than five decades. The citizenship documents were handed over to her in Thrissur, a city she has long called home. The moment marked an important milestone in her long association with the country.

The citizenship certificate was presented by Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian. He explained that Pepita had applied for citizenship in 2024 after completing more than 50 years of residence in India. “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,” he said.

Pepita Seth shared her feelings after receiving the documents where she expressed happiness at finally becoming an Indian citizen. “I am happy to be here and happy to have become an Indian citizen. My dream. Buddy,” she told ANI.

She also spoke in detail about how her journey in India began. Pepita explained that she was born and raised in the UK. Over time, she developed a strong interest in travelling. That interest eventually brought her to India. She moved through several cities before reaching 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,” she said.