Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – Gen. Adi Sethna Style!

11th November 1924 – 17th October 2006

On 11th November 2024, we honor and pay tribute to General Adi Sethna on his 100th birth anniversary—a true legend who lived boldly, loved deeply, and inspired endlessly.

A Life of Adventure and Family Spirit

General Adi Sethna, a tall and striking man with a commanding presence, was affectionately known as “Zinoo” by his family—yes, Zinoo! (the little one). Zinoo being the eldest, his childhood involved frequent moves due to his father Meherji’s railway career, though he found a stable home with his beloved maternal grandparents, Aaimai and Khan Bahadur Dhunjishaw.

His education at Bulsar and thereafter at Doon School shaped his independent, lively character and love for storytelling—qualities fondly remembered to this day.

Formative Years at Doon School, Dehradun

Adi’s real adventure began at Doon School, where he transformed from a boy attached to his grandparents into a resilient student known as “Hardy.” In Kashmir House (like our Red or Blue Houses, named after Indian Royal States), he embraced a life filled with sports, trekking, and marathons. Saturdays celebrated India’s diversity, with students donning traditional attire—Adi proudly wore his dugli, honoring his Parsi heritage. He also cultivated a passion for both Indian and Western classical music, even learning to play the dilruba. He was also a part of the orchestra and performed in concerts at school.

But, despite his new-found fitness from all the activities, his love for food never waned—so much so that his Doon master would ask Adi’s grandmother not to spoil him with too many treats during summer vacations!

Passion for Food

Adi’s love for cooking was legendary. His signature dishes—such as the Sethna Farm Omelette, Nana-Nani Pudding, and yummyyy chocolate fudge—became family favorites. His homemade jams, cakes, and unique wines filled his home with warmth and joy. (Want the recipes?) Malai on toast with honey, plus his all-time favourite: moura dal chawal. A man who loved to cook and feed people, his recipes are something we all wish we could get our hands on!

A Romance for the Ages

Adi and Khorshed’s love story blossomed through letters and grew into a lifelong bond. Adi celebrated Khorshed’s birthdays by baking her a special marble cake each year; even in ill health, he baked her one last cake from his wheelchair. Their devotion remains a cherished legacy.

The Sethna Farm and His Love for Nature

Adi’s love for gardening flourished with every military posting, where he grew beautiful rose gardens. At Sethna Farm, his Delhi residence, he pioneered organic farming. Each morning, crows gathered to share breakfast with Adi and Khorshed from the verandah.

Beloved Dogs

Adi’s affection for dogs was boundless. His cocker spaniel, Scamper, became family lore, especially after miraculously returning from panther territory in Wellington. Adi treated his dogs as family, when his eldest grandson, Daraius, was born, you’d find Adi at the breakfast table feeding Daraius on his right and Opal, another spaniel, on his left, a true reflection of his boundless affection for both.

Cherished Time with Grandchildren

Adi’s bond with his grandchildren (Daraius, Zubin, Rushad, Kersi, Jehangir, and Tushna) was deep and memorable. From sports and storytelling to stargazing and poetry, he enriched their lives with valuable lessons and life skills. He even taught them to calculate time by counting the stars.

Pre-Army Years and Writing Passion

Initially aspiring to journalism, Adi’s love for writing began with school magazine articles and later contributions to major newspapers. He wrote later for national newspapers under the pen name “Amos,” while his wife Khorshed used the name “Kay.”

His time as a student at Allahabad University exposed him to political and social change. One humorous memory from this time was Adi’s attendance at Feroze and Indira Nehru’s wedding, where he expected a grand feast but received only rosewater and flowers!

Distinguished 40-Years Military Career

Inspired by friends, Adi joined the Indian Military Academy, training under the legendary Jim Corbett. Rising to Vice Chief of the Army Staff, he was admired for his integrity and strategic acumen, particularly evident in his meticulous planning during the Bangladesh War.

Generosity, Humility, and Traditions

Known for his kindness, Adi’s life was filled with memorable acts of generosity and compassion. He taught drivers to knit, shared practical wisdom, and encouraged confidence in those around him. Despite his rank, he remained humble and very approachable.

Memorable Moments of Humor and Heart

Adi’s life was marked by heart-warming memories. During one Diwali at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his daughter Rukshana accidentally spilled oil, causing President Dr. Rajendra Prasad to slip. Instead of scolding her, he smiled and said, “Beta, tel mat girao” (Child, don’t spill oil). Even his dog, Scamper, shared in family memories, once snoring loudly through an important meeting, amusing everyone present.

Honoring General Adi Sethna’s Legacy

The India International Centre (IIC) and Parzor will host a special exhibition, Zest for Life: Remembering Gen. Sethna, from 24th to 28th November 2024. The event will be inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh on 24th November at 5 PM, with Shri Narinder Nath Vohra and H.E. Diana Mickeviciene as Guests of Honour.

In his memory, his “four darling girlies” (Niloufer, Rukshana, Shernaz and Shireen) will host a Ghambar for Delhi Parsis on 16th November, following a Jashan on 11th November with Chief Guest Frainy Satarwala, Adi’s 90-year-old cousin. Don’t miss this remarkable tribute!

Freny Daruwalla wrote this article in collaboration with ParZor.

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