The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol held its annual Inter-Religious Meeting on 2nd October 2025 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The theme for the event: “Messengers of Hope, Witnesses of Unity”, aimed at fostering peace, understanding, and unity people of neighbouring faiths. The event brought together people from various religious backgrounds to share thoughts, celebrate diversity, and promote harmony.
The program began with participants engaging themselves in an enriching group discussion which were efficiently moderated by Dr. Rachna Kolambkar, Dr. Pronoy Baidya, Mrs. Kabir Shaikh, and Mr. Kallis Rodrigues. This discussion encouraged participants to share their views on how to face challenges and foster harmony and peace in society.
The Rector of Rachol Seminary, Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues, began his welcome address by extending joyous greetings to our Hindu brethren as they celebrate Dussehra. He emphasized the urgent necessity of dialogue and mutual respect in building a peaceful society.
In a symbolic Unity Act, the Rector, the four moderators, and representatives of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity: Ms. Haneen Khan, Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati, and Dr. Anthony De Sa respectively joined hands to plant a sapling by adding soil and water, symbolizing growth through unity.
Ms. Haneen Khan, Headmistress at Crescent School, Fatorda, speaking on behalf of the Islamic community, asserted that every heart longs for peace, mercy and hope. She highlighted the grim picture in the world where so many innocent lives are suffering due to injustice, discrimination and hatred. However when we join hands in planting small seeds of love and kindness, we can become true messengers of hope and unity.
Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati, attached to the Chinmaya Mission at Margao, said that when there is decline in ‘Dharma – Value System’, God himself comes or sends His messengers to restore goodness, kindness and virtues in the world. When humanity comes together and combats negativity around us, true peace reigns in the society. Humans need to raise their consciousness and foster true love in the world.
Dr. Anthony de Sa, IAS (retd), speaking on behalf of the Catholic community said that the message of hope is expressed on the wings of love. Emphasizing the Beatitudes, he said that Jesus invites each one of us to be peace-makers in the world. Unity is not uniformity but embracing diversity. We need to transcend all boundaries of caste, creed and colour and become witnesses of unity in the world.
Cultural performances by the Parish Youth of Sao Jose de Areal, Parish Youth of Velim and Rachol Seminarians challenged the audience to become true, vibrant and dynamic messengers of hope and unity in world.
All the participants took a solemn pledge reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and the singing of the national anthem. The event was compered by Sem. Brendon D’Costa and coordinated by Sem. Ryan Mascarenhas.