Alma mater to honour late scientist with ‘Xavier Ratna’

Dr Homi Sethna, one of the pioneers of India’s nuclear programme and the driving force behind the country’s first nuclear test, will be honoured by the alumni association of his alma mater, St Xavier’s High School, Fort, by its first annual award.

The ‘Xavier Ratna’ is expected to be received by the late scientist’s brother Rusi Sethna, a solicitor and also an alumnus, at the annual alumni meet on Saturday at the school grounds.

Dr Sethna, who died on September 5, 2010, was chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) when the country tested its first nuclear device at Pokhran on May 18, 1974. He led the AEC between 1972 and 1983, succeeding other pioneers like Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai.

After his schooling, Dr Sethna had obtained a bachelor’s degree from University Department of Chemical Technology, Matunga (Now Institute of Chemical Technology) and a masters from University of Michigan. 

Member of the alumni association’s managing committee Darayus Engineer said, “The school has churned out great achievers who have done the country proud. Rather than just hold an annual party for the alumni, we wanted to inspire the current students and tell them about the school’s achievements.”

The school, one of the city’s oldest, boasts of alumni such as Adi Godrej; MC Chagla, the first Indian chief justice of Bombay high court; Deepak Parekh of HDFC; the Mafatlals; architect Charles Correa; former city police commissioner Julio Ribeiro; cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and writer Rohinton Mistry. Many of them, like Parekh and Godrej, have made substantial endowments to help the school. Last year, the school had celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding.

Though rich families sent their sons there, the Jesuit-run school also taught students from families with more modest means, said Engineer.

“I remember that a classmate who sat next to me was the son of a driver. My other neighbour was the son of a top company executive,” said Engineer.

The award will include a plaque and citation. The award ceremony will be followed by dance and dinner.