In honour of General Adi Sethna’s 100th birth anniversary on 11th November 2024, his four darling daughters—Niloufer, Rukshana, Shernaz, and Shireen, curated a heartfelt tribute through a special exhibition titled “Zest for Life: Remembering General Sethna” at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. The exhibition was inaugurated on 24th November 2024 at 5 PM, offering a nostalgic journey through the life and legacy of this extraordinary man.

The Zest for Life exhibition was more than just a celebration of his centenary; it was a tribute to his remarkable achievements, contributions and the countless lives he touched. Running from 24th to 29th November at IIC in New Delhi, the exhibition drew visitors from far and wide, with his closest friends traveling all the way from Kulu and Manali to be part of the celebration. His grandson Kersi travelled all the way from San Francisco to honour his legacy. General Sethna truly made a profound impact on everyone he met.

The exhibition commenced with the Guest of Honour, Diana Mickevičienė, Ambassador of Lithuania, lighting the ceremonial lamp, setting a nostalgic tone as army songs, fondly sung by the Sethna family during childhood, played in the background. Dr. Karan Singh, the Chief Guest, joined virtually due to health constraints and shared poignant memories of his Doon schoolmate and dearest friend. He described General Sethna as “a man of zest, dedication, and excellence,” underscoring his immense contributions to the armed forces, the Parsi community, and society at large.

Ambassador Mickevičienė highlighted an intriguing historical connection between Parsis and Lithuania, revealing that Sir Jamshedji Jeevanji Modi was the first recorded Indian to visit Lithuania over a century ago. Her research at the K.R. Cama Oriental Institute uncovered striking linguistic and cultural links between Sanskrit and Lithuanian, showcasing the Parsis’ profound impact on global cultural exchanges.

Prof. Shernaz Cama, in a deeply personal address, reflected on her father’s incredible journey, from witnessing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sign the Indian Constitution to pioneering the Spinal Injuries Centre for ex-servicemen alongside Major. Ahluwalia. Despite battling cancer, General Sethna’s optimism never wavered, as he often remarked in his final days, “I’m still alive and glad to be here.”

Fond Memories and Heartfelt Tributes:

A Song for the Ages

Even at the age of 97, Dr. Shanno Khurana, confined to a wheelchair, made it a point to attend the exhibition. She shared a cherished memory of General Sethna requesting her to sing Tappas, a rigorous form of classical music once sung by camel drivers in Multan. “When he called me, I got so nervous, wondering what had happened. But he simply wanted me to sing Tapas in its traditional style. I recorded it in one take, and he was so impressed,” she recounted. “This exhibition is an awakening—so inspiring to see the incredible work he accomplished.”

Adventures, Wine, and Wit

Noshir Shroff, the General’s eldest son-in-law, shared endearing anecdotes about their adventures together. “He truly had a zest for life,” Noshir said with a smile. “He used to make all kinds of wine, and we would eagerly wait to taste it. But he wasn’t just about fun, he was genuinely curious and encouraging. He’d always ask about our careers or the latest instruments we brought to our eye hospital.

“One of my favorite memories with General Sethna was the time I took him for a ride on my scooter. Now, he was a bit on the heavier side, and the moment he hopped on, the front wheel shot up like a stunt bike doing a perfect wheelie! We couldn’t stop laughing—it was absolutely hysterical. And then, in true Sethna style, he chuckled and said, ‘Let’s go Dariyagunjing!’ like it was the most normal thing in the world. What a ride, what a man!”

A Grandfather’s Love

The General’s grandson, Rushad Shroff, spoke fondly of his childhood with his “Nana.” “He’d take us swimming at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and one time, his dog Opal jumped in to join us for a lap, it was such a fun sight! Nana never scolded me, even when I broke his windows while playing cricket. This exhibition brings back so many warm memories.”

Sharp Wit and a Big Heart

Roddy Mackenzie, an Everester and one of the General’s closest friends, “Adi remembered everyone’s names, from staff to students, and it made people feel so valued. I used to joke that every Parsi was somehow related to General Adi. He was a big smiley, a beacon of joy and kindness.”

As the day drew to a close, one sentiment echoed unanimously: “Happy 100th birthday, General Sethna!”

Freny Daruwalla wrote this article in collaboration with ParZor.