A grandfather’s village, a granddaughter’s search for her roots

In her memoir, "Soul Return: A Spiritual Memoir of Ancestral Remembrance," Yasotha Jegathesan recounts her decades-long quest to uncover her family's roots in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. Born in Malaysia and raised on Tamil culture, she reflects on the connection she felt to her heritage through traditions like Pongal, Deepavali, and regular temple visits.

However, Yasotha recognizes that her family's story has gaps, particularly in their relationship with the village deity, a tradition she believes the Malaysian Indian diaspora should prioritize to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Encouraging others to explore their own ancestry, Yasotha advises starting with personal artifacts such as old photographs, letters, and oral histories from family members. She suggests visiting archives in India and speaking with elderly residents of ancestral villages or temples. While she acknowledges the risk of misinformation, Yasotha stresses the importance of verifying family lineage beyond mere claims.

For Yasotha, cultural heritage goes beyond ancestry—it encompasses everyday practices like language, cuisine, rituals, and religious sites that shape one's identity. Her memoir aims to inspire younger generations to understand and preserve their roots, and she is exploring adaptations like a theatre production and film to broaden its impact.

Yasotha remains committed to her search for her grandfather's village, believing that reconnecting with one's heritage is a journey of asking the right questions, even when the answers are not immediately found.