Embracing Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, this Cover Story highlights the importance of fostering Social friendship and embracing interculturality, as a trans–formative approach in our gloablized world.
The title ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’ is a Malayalam movie that tells the real-life story of Zubeidaa, a Muslim woman who takes on the responsibility of raising the three children of her Hindu domestic help after the latter’s sudden demise. This heartfelt film was inspired by a Facebook post shared by Mr. Sreedharan in 2019, expressing his grief over the loss of his Umma (mother), Zubeidaa. For Mr. Sreedharan, Zubeidaa was the only mother figure he knew, as his biological mother, Chikki, passed away when he was just one year old. Along with his two sisters, who were born into a Hindu family, they were raised and provided with education by their Muslim foster mother. Mr. Sreedharan emphasizes that they never faced any pressure or compulsion to convert to Islam. In a world marked by divisions and barriers, stories like these serve as living examples of interculturality and social friendships. They go beyond mere concepts and hold significant meaning. The film ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’, reviews say, beautifully portrays the power of love and compassion that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, reminding us of the importance of unity and understanding. While ‘The Kerala Story’ has sparked intense debates and become a contentious issue between cultures, the movie ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’ presents a powerful narrative of interculturality and social friendship. Surprisingly, this inspiring film has yet to make headlines, but that discussion is better suited for another debate.
As globalization fosters increased multiculturalism, we are faced with the opportunity and responsibility to adapt and engage with diverse cultures. We must open ourselves to enter into the lives and cultures of others, particularly the marginalized. Jesus serves as a powerful example in this regard, as He embraced cultural diversity, dismantled barriers, and treated everyone with love, compassion, and respect. His interactions with Samaritans, Gentiles, and societal outsiders challenged norms, highlighting universal values of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. His message of love and salvation transcended cultural boundaries, resonating with people from all backgrounds. By following Jesus’ example, we can celebrate the richness of cultural diversity and actively cultivate social friendships, fostering unity and love within the church and beyond.
Pushpa Joseph
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