The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, on the special occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi organized its annual Inter Religious Meet on October 2, 2024 on the theme Journeying together, Strengthening unity, radiating hope. The meet began with participants engaging themselves in a group discussion on how people of different faith can live in unity and harmony. The Rector Fr. Donato Rodrigues extended his warm welcome to the Honorable Speakers and welcomed the gathering with his kind words. The brothers and sisters of different faith were invited to partake in the Unity Act wherein they opened the petals of the same flower to showcase that we are people of different faith living in one nation in unity and hope.
Dr. Heena Shaball, representing the Islamic community, conveyed the message on the concept of humanity, unity and hope. She said that each one must carry hope in one’s heart fostering unity. Human journey is not solitary but collective. We can overcome any challenges by living in unity. Bhai Dalbir Singh a retired Navy Officer, representing Sikh religion emphasized on the power of unity. He enriched the people by saying to love each other to live in peace and harmony. Shri Swami Sughoshananda, representing Hindu community drew the attention of the people by delivering the message that Brahman is in every human soul and unity is strength. He caught the attention of the people with his ideas and insights. He called us to realize that though we worship different religions but we are one as Indians. Dr. Elvis Gonsalves, the representative of the catholic community, enriched the people of different faith with his inspirational insight – Acceptance of other people’s religion is important. He mainly concentrated on that all religions are path ways to their Gods. The students, youth and seminarians put up the cultural performances based on unity in diversity. The Meet was concluded by pledging the oath to live in unity hope and paying respect to our nation by singing the National Anthem.
