“It is with extreme sadness we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Sethu Madhavan. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lalitha; son, Ekanth; and family!”, writes ICA AP on its website remembering the man who lost his fight against Covid 19 on Saturday.
Sethu and ICA-AP were one and the same to members in the Asia-Pacific region. Sethu joined the ICA Regional Office on April 16, 1975 and was continually associated till the day of his passing. For 45 years, Sethu worked with sincerity and dedication for members and cooperatives. He was always there to answer questions, ever eager to help members, a friend and mentor, sincere in his work, and meticulous in whatever task he undertook.
Sethu was the first point of contact for members, be it to know about joining ICA, any issue relating to subscription, or seeking clarification on rules. He was always there to hear, ever ready to respond, and do his best to resolve. As Coordinator of one of the ICA-MAFF training programs, he was a guide and friend to many a cooperator from across the region. As Secretary of the Human Resources Committee, he served with sincerity and dedication.
Sethu played a central role in the Regional Assemblies, Board meetings, and in high level ministerial and other conferences. He would be the first person in the hall and the last person to leave after having ensured order of seating, placement of name plates and flags, arrangement for interpreters, handing out of meeting material, and taking care of hospitality. To many Regional Directors, he was the right hand man with his knowledge of members, information on board decisions, balanced understanding of issues and finger on happenings in the office.
To staff in the Regional Office, he was a mentor, friend, and guide. It did not matter to Sethu, whether it was the Regional Director or a support staff. He had a friendly demeanour, treated everyone equally, was easily accessible, and every ready to share and guide.
Rest in peace, Sethu! You will be terribly missed!
Condolence messages
Balu Iyer, It is with extreme sadness we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Sethu Madhavan. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Lalitha; son, Ekanth; and family! Sethu was a guide & friend to “Co-operators of the Region”.
Mr. Ariel E. Guarco, President, ICA, Argentina, “I woke up this morning with this really sad news. The ICA family lost one of their dear members.”
Mr. Li Chunsheng, President ICA-AP, China “I am shocked to hear the passing of K. Sethu Madhavan, Advisor-Planning & Membership, ICA-AP Regional Office. On behalf of the ICA-AP Region, All China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, as well as in my own name, I extend deep condolences to you, and through you to his family over the passing of Mr. Sethu, and express sincere sympathies to his family.
Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, Vice President ICA-AP Regional Board, President NCUI, India, “Very shocking news! We convey our heartfelt condolences and pray God for eternal peace to departed soul.”
IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi, My heartfelt condolences on demise of Sh Sethu Madhavan. His passing away is great loss to cooperative movement. I pray to God to give him place in heaven & courage to his family and dear & near ones to bear this irreparable loss. Om Shanti.
Mr. Bruno Roelants, Director General, ICA, Belgium “This is a terrible news… I feel so sad…. I have known Serhu for such a long time… Such a faithful person”.
Dr. Nandini Azad, ICA-AP, Chairperson Women’s Committee, India, “Sethu Madhavan was to ICA-AP a pillar par excellence. An encyclopedia of the Asia pacific coop world. Loved and respected by all. RIP we will miss his wisdom very much.”
MD, NCDC, India, “Very sad time hear. RIP.”
Fishcopfed MD B K Mishra, “Deeply mourn the death of Mr.Setu-my dear friend for over 30 years. He was the most sought after person in ICA AP with very pleasant personality. Pray Almighty to rest his soul in peace.”
Bhima Subrahmanyam, ICBA Chair and Managing Director, NAFSCOB, India, “The sad & sudden demise of Sethu Madhavan is really shocking to me. I knew him since 1985 more closely since 1990.