Indian community in Kuwait deeply mourns the sad demise of ‘Semponmari’ Sethu, (75) in India on 15 May. Sethu Aiyya, as he was fondly called by all who came to know him, was an exceptional individual in that he was a sincerely selfless person, extending his care and compassion to others solely because they needed a hand.
A benevolent brother to anyone who was in need and sought assistance, Sethu Aiyya helped others in every way he could, with no thought of any personal gains; a rarity in these times. Despite his many personal pains, he will be remembered for that genuine warmhearted smile that he always carried on his face.
A former employee of Kuwait Airways, he was for the past five decades a popular figure in social and cultural activities of the Indian community. Until retiring and returning to India, a few years back, Sethu Aiyya was actively involved in organizing and participating in various community gatherings and social events.
Founder of the Kuwait Valaikuda Vanambadi Poets Association, Sethu Aiyya was a versatile person whose demure personality cloaked a literary talent. A writer and poet, he was resourceful and knowledgeable on Tamil literature, and has penned several poems, besides authoring two books on his personal experiences in Kuwait and India.
His energetic engagement in social and cultural events will be fondly remembered by everyone, especially by the Tamil community in Kuwait. A stalwart presence among Tamizhs, he was the go-to person of the community not only in helping organize events, but also in assisting and helping build livelihoods for many families.
Sethu Aiyya’s untiring social engagements and his unselfish attitude in helping others were only a reflection of the humanitarian values he always cherished. We deeply mourn his demise and pray to God Almighty to grant his family and friends the strength to bear their bereavement, and to rest his soul in peace.