Guardian Angel Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (GAIHMCT), Curchorem-Goa, hosted “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” an initiative to celebrate Inter Religious Solidarity and togetherness. It was organised by Prerna Niwas Community, Curchorem, a unit of the Goa Province (Society of Pilar) on 5th October 2024 in Collaboration with Guardian Angel Educational Complex, Sadbhav and Solidarity Forum.
The speakers and facilitators included Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes (Convenor of Sadbhav, Society of Pilar), Mr. Mubarak Ali, (Hygiene Rating Auditor, Ex. Principal of GAIHMCT), Mr. Avin Naik (Corporate Trainer & Entrepreneur) and Ms. Gayathri Rao Konkar, Student Counsellor at Nirmala Institute of Education and Goa Institute of Management.
The program commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries followed by a devotional Dance presented by the students of Guardian Angel High School.
Rev. Fr. Joaquim Rebello, the principal of GAIHMCT and the Superior of Prerna Niwas community extended a warm welcome to everyone and acknowledged their presence. Later, Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes,the convenor of Sadbhav, highlighted the purpose of this initiative by dwelling on the meaning of the Sanskrit phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. He further underscored the importance of celebrating our solidarity and togetherness as one big human family respecting Religious Diversity.
Mr. Mubarak Ali, shared his view on the topic “Youth Engagement in promoting inter religious solidarity”. Mr. Avin Naik, enlightened the gathering on the topic of “Preserving and strengthening social and communal harmony in Goa”. Ms. Gayathri Rao Konkar facilitated an interesting interactive session on the topic “Building Bridges: promoting communal harmony and unity”. The speeches were interspersed with some cultural items. A Mime was performed by the students of Guardian Angel Higher Secondary School; a skit titled “Unity can do wonders” was performed by The Students of GAIHMCT. Later Three teachers and three students, Sir Mangaldas Bhatt (GAHSS), Tr. Cristabel D’Costa (GAHS), Tr. Parveza Shaikh (GAHS), along with Students Mr. Zuriel Rebello (GAIHMCT), Mr. Vanch Goankar (GAIHMCT), Miss. Aksa Banu (GAHSS) respectively shared their positive experiences illustrating social friendship, solidarity, peaceful co-existence and communal harmony among friends, in the villages, schools etc.
Chef Stephen Mascarenhas, a faculty of GAIHMCT, spoke on the cooking techniques, recipes and ingredients that have been incorporated from different religions and cultures over the years giving a perfect culinary blend.
Later, Rev. Fr. Joaquim Rebello presented mementos to the dignitaries and speakers and expressed his happiness over the success of the meet
At the end Rev. Fr. Thomas Gonsalves proposed the vote of thanks and thanked everyone for their contribution in organising a successful inter-religious meet on behalf of Prerna Niwas Community. He appreciated the efforts of the members of the organising committee.
The programme concluded with a traditional lunch for all the Dignitaries and students.
The organisation of this programme was looked into by the members of Prerna Niwas Community – Rev. Fr. Joaquim Rebello (Superior of Prerna Niwas Community and Principal of GAIHMCT), Rev. Fr. Jerry Vaz (Principal of GAHS), Rev. Fr. Walter Miranda (Principal of GAHSS), Rev. Fr. Thomas Gonsalves (Manager of GAPS, GAHS, GAHSS).
– Fr. Elvis Fernandes, Sfx
