Dynamic and Humane Leadership

Lt. Gen. Adi M. Sethna steered Parzor from the time of its inception and enabled it to grow rapidly and make a mark in a very short time. It was under his dynamic leadership, that Parzor initiated several projects which ranged from making a film on Field Marshal Manekshaw and producing a book on India’s first woman Photojournalist Homai Vyarawala to recording rare Hindustani classical music Tappas.

Adi Sethna was truly a visionary and exemplified a person who could “fill the unforgiving minute, with sixty seconds worth of distance run”.  In his distinguished career, spread over several decades, he donned many hats and took up challenging responsibilities in diverse fields.  And yet, he undertook each assignment with the same enthusiasm, focus and determination to deliver the best possible results as was evident in his work in Parzor.

Commissioned into the army in 1944, he began his career during the 2nd World War. He went on to distinguish himself, both in the field and as a staff officer, throughout his 40 years in the army. One of the few officers to be chosen for training both at the Camberley Staff College, UK and the Royal College of Defence Studies, London,  he rose to become the Vice Chief of the Army, before retiring in 1982. 

However, retirement did not mean the end of his professional career. In fact, he became even busier post-retirement from the Army and took up challenging assignments in fields as diverse as Tourism, International Relations, Hospital Administration and Community Affairs. While still Vice- Chief of the Army, he was deputed to help with the 9th Asian Games to be held in Delhi in 1982. As Deputy Chairperson and Director of Ceremonials for the Games, he ensured that the opening and closing ceremonies functioned like clockwork. His meticulous planning and coordination for the Games led to his being requested to help with two other major events that followed in 1983 – the Seventh Non- Aligned Meet and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet.

Soon after, he was appointed Chairperson, ITDC and plunged into this new assignment with zest and enthusiasm, determined to make a success of this totally different professional assignment. He recognized the tremendous potential for Tourism in the country and went out of his way to open new avenues in Tourism, such as Adventure Tourism, and to inspire those working with him  to take up the challenge and think out of the box. Simultaneously, he became founding Chairperson of the India Australia Council and interacted with heads of Industry and CEOs who were astonished at his focus and goal-oriented pace of work. A Founder Member of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, he fought tirelessly for the rights of the differently-abled.

As President of the Delhi Parsi Anjuman for almost 20 years, he worked with single-minded dedication to bring visibility and recognition to the miniscule Parsi community. Progressive and liberal in outlook, he believed in the need for reforms but was determined to bring about change through consensus and not confrontation. As Zoroastrian Member of the National Minorities Commission, he worked tirelessly to bring to the notice of the Government the needs and problems of minority communities.

But what stood out most in all his assignments, was his care and concern for the people working with him, irrespective of their position and status. He had the ability to form successful teams and inspire each person to do their best. He was equally at ease with Heads of Government as with small children – never condescending or talking down to people and treating each person with respect and dignity. A true believer in the Zoroastrian ethic, “Happiness be to him through whom happiness is caused to others”, he strove throughout his life to bring together people, to spread positivity and ensure the well-being of all.

Lieutenant General Adi Meherji Sethna, PVSM, AVSM was an Indian Army General who served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

He guided the Delhi Parsi Anjuman and the Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans for 20 years, and in 1999 was invited to be the Founder President of Parzor.