Dr. Sharon Wilson’s decision in 2017 to bring her aging parents back to Kerala was fuelled by a need to reconnect | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Our roots are not just a part of our past; they are a living force that continues to shape our identity, values, and sense of belonging. Born and raised in Malaysia, yet deeply connected to her Malayalam ancestry, Dr. Wilson’s journey back to Kerala was more than a family visit; it was a homecoming, an awakening of a connection that transcends time and geography. Dr. Sharon Wilson tells us about the bright future for us when knowing that we are a globally spread community with strong foundations and roots. Be Connected to become strong and mighty could be her message shared in her bright smile and inspired conversation.
A Journey Back to the Past
Dr. Sharon Wilson’s decision in 2017 to bring her aging parents back to Kerala was fuelled by a need to reconnect; to understand the life her ancestors lived and to give her parents an opportunity to see their homeland once more. As she retraced the steps of her forebears, meeting long-lost relatives and visiting ancestral homes, she unearthed not just family history, but pieces of herself that had been hidden in distant memories and unspoken traditions.
One of the most touching moments of her journey was the discovery of letters exchanged between her grandfather and his siblings. These letters, preserved by a cousin, became bridges linking generations. The offered glimpses into the emotions, struggles, and aspirations of those who came before. In those handwritten words, Dr. Wilson found echoes of her own thoughts and values, reinforcing the idea that identity is not simply inherited, but actively lived and reaffirmed.
The Subtle Echoes of Ancestry
Despite being raised thousands of miles away, Dr. Wilson found herself deeply familiar with Kerala’s cultural practices. From the way people communicated non-verbally to the instinctive knowledge of the local landscape, she was struck by the realization that her heritage was embedded in her very being. A simple banana plantation behind her grandfather’s house in Malaysia suddenly made sense when she saw similar ones across Kerala; it was not just a crop, but a symbol of continuity, a silent homage to the land her family once called home.
Even more striking was her sudden ease in speaking Malayalam, a language she had only passively absorbed growing up. As she walked through the streets of Cochin, she found herself conversing fluently, the words flowing effortlessly, as if they had always been there, waiting to be awakened.
Her brother’s words; “It’s in your blood”, connected with her very deeply and reaffirmed the idea that culture and language are deeply ingrained in our genetic and social makeup.
The Invisible Threads of Connection
Dr. Wilson’s experience speaks to a universal truth; ancestry is more than a lineage recorded on paper; it is a living force that subtly influences how we see the world, how we interact with people, and how we understand ourselves. Even in a foreign land, she could instinctively recognize fellow Malayalis, and they, in turn, recognized her. There was an unspoken bond, a shared cultural DNA that transcended borders and time.
Yet, she also acknowledged a challenge; many in the younger generations no longer feel the same pull towards their roots. In an era where modernity often overshadows tradition, the onus falls on those who remember to pass down these connections, to instil a sense of curiosity and pride in one’s heritage. Dr. Wilson took this responsibility to heart, sharing family photographs and stories in WhatsApp groups, hoping to ignite in her younger relatives the same longing to understand where they came from.
Why Roots Matter
The power of roots lies in their ability to anchor us. In a fast-changing world, they provide stability, a sense of identity, and an unshakeable confidence in who we are. Dr. Wilson’s journey back to Kerala was a nostalgic trip and a reaffirmation of her identity, an experience that brought clarity to her past and strength to her present. Understanding our ancestry is not about dwelling in the past; it is about embracing the forces that shaped us, about carrying forward the values and traditions that define us. Whether through language, customs, or familial bonds, our roots continue to guide us, offering a sense of belonging that no amount of distance can erase.
For those who have ever wondered about their origins, her experience serves as an inspiration and a call to explore, to reconnect, and to embrace the strength that comes from knowing exactly where you belong.
