‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’, the Second Edition
Shri Jaspal Singh, IPS, the DGP of Goa, speaking at the just concluded two-day ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’ – a national Interfaith conference, said that “God has created us of the same sand and all are equal, all are God’s image and all have to merge in the same sand”. As the chief guest at the inaugural session, he expressed his joy on being part of the conference and said that “such Sammelans need to be organised quite often and they should be organised across the state and country so that people really understand the meaning of the scriptures, the message of oneness given by all the scriptures and by our living document of the country, that is, the Constitution of India”. Referring to the existential reality, he said, that “There are conflicts in the world, however, it is only through such Sammelan’s that we can march towards peace and harmony” He further said that “The Constitution of the country reflects inclusion and equality envisioned by our founding fathers. The Constitution treats all people equal; all rights are available to all people. Everybody’s right has been catered to by our Constitution. The constitution never discriminates”. He expressed hope saying that “I am sure that the two-day conference will come with lot of excellent ideas to ensure that we are an inclusive society”
‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’, the second edition, was held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre Pilar on 1st and 2nd March 2024. Over 150 delegates participated in the two-day conference. The theme of the conference was “Diversity and Inclusion’ and was jointly organised by ‘Sadbhav’ (an endeavour of the Society of Pilar for fostering Inter-Religious dialogue, harmony, solidarity and fellowship); Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim Goa, Department of Hindi (UG, PG, and Hindi Research Centre) and Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar.
At the very outset, in his welcome address Dr. Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of ‘Sadbhav’ and ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’ said that “the purpose of the conference is to encourage students, educators, researchers, peace activists, Faith leaders to unite in fostering peaceful coexistence and communal harmony through academic discourse and discussions; and through the medium of Art and culture”. He exhorted the gathering to pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work towards fostering peace, harmony and solidarity in our country during the two-days of conversation and reflection with people from different Faiths and walks of life.
Also present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General, Society of Pilar, Goa and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa along with Prof. Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes, Principal of Govt. College Sankhli and Dr. Frederico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College Pilar,
The two-day conference began with a devotional dance by Kum. Sejal Dicholker and Kum. Yogita Gawande from Govt. College Sankhli. This was followed by an act of watering a plant by the dignitaries symbolising diversity and inclusion. Prof. Soniya Sirsat, Co-convenor of ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’ and Head Department of Hindi (UG, PG and Hindi Research Centre) proposed the vote of thanks and Alisha Souza, Assistant Professor in English compered at the inaugural session which came to an end with the singing of the national anthem.
The inaugural session was followed by a Keynote address delivered by Dr. A. K. Merchant, General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation (A Global Interfaith Association), Delhi, on the theme ‘Diversity and Inclusion: A Mindset for Inter-Religious Co-existence and Harmony’.
This was followed by a Panel discussion on the theme ‘Challenges to Inter-Religious Harmony in our times’. The discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida, Director, Shantidhyana Meditation Centre, Agacaim Goa. The panelist included Ar. Tallulah D’silva. Dr. Sajith S.J. Sasi and Shri. Sandeep Singh Gill.
Post lunch, two parallel workshops were held. Prof. Kishu Daswani, Professor, Government Law College and St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Maharashtra facilitated on the theme – Managing Conflicts. The other workshop was on the theme – Exploring Unconscious Biases, facilitated by Prof. Andy Silveria, Assistant Professor, Goa Institute of Management Sanquelim.
The first day of the conference came to an end with a brief cultural programme by the students of Govt. College Sanquelim. Being International Wheelchair Day, Mr. Niranjan Jadhav shared his story and thoughts on disability and also demonstrated the use of motorised tricycle. The other items included a Skit on ‘Suttkecho Shwas’ written by Prof. Prakash Vazrikar and a youth anthem highlighting diversity and inclusion.
The second day of the conference began with paper presentations moderated by Prof. Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sanquelim. Dr. Victor Ferrao, Professor of Philosophy, Rachol Seminary, Goa, and Jnana Deepa, Pune presented on the topic ‘From Othering to Belonging and Bridging’. Prof. Amita Valmiki, Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science and Commerce Mumbai presented a paper on ‘Beating the hate: Strengthening Inter- Religious Trust and Respect’. Prof. Valmiki highlighted the thoughts of thinkers like Gautam Buddha, Khalil Gibran, M.K and Dr. Tabassum Sheikh, Principal, G.M, Momim Womens’ College Bhiwandi Maharashtra presented a paper on ‘Inter-Religious Action for Peace and Communal Harmony’
After lunch, Dr. Omkar Bhatkar Co-founder and Head, of St. Andrew’s Centre for Philosophy and Performing Arts, Mumbai facilitated the ‘Samvaad Sabha’ a discussion on the theme ‘Celebrating the Culture of Coexistence and Communal Harmony.
The entire two-days interfaith conference came to a close with sharing of insights by Prof. Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes Principal of Govt. College Sanquelim and Dr. Frederico Rodrigues, Principal, Fr. Agnel College, Pilar. The evening also saw the presentation of cultural items by the students of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar. They staged a street play titled “shanti mogi somudai amkam zai’ written by Dr. Tanvi Bambolkar and also a kathak dance. A group called Seekers sang poems of Kabir and Gorakhnath on the themes of Peace and harmony. ‘Morulo’, a folk dance which mimics the movements of the peacock was performed by Sateri Kelmand from Keri, coordinated by Prabhakar Majik. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Smt. Irene George, Co-convenor Sadbhav Sammelan 2024, followed the singing of the national anthem. The two-day National Interfaith Conference received tremendous support from students, academicians and delegates across the country.