Goa Director General of Police, Jaspal Singh, IPS, speaking at the two-day ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’, a national interfaith conference, said, “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 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 across the State and country so that people understand the meaning of the scriptures, the message of oneness given by the them and by the living document of the country, the Constitution of India.
Referring to the existential reality, he said, “There are conflicts in the world, however, it is only through such sammelans that we can march towards peace and harmony.” He added that "our Constitution reflects inclusion and equality envisioned by the 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 said and added, “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 where over 150 delegates participated.
The theme of the conference was 'Diversity and Inclusion’ and it 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, Department of Hindi (UG, PG, and Hindi Research Centre) and Fr Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar.
There are conflicts in the world, however, it is only through such sammelans that we can march towards peace and harmony
Jaspal Singh, Goa Director General of Police
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 the country during the two-days of conversation and reflection with people from different faiths and walks of life.
Present were Fr Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General, Society of Pilar, Goa, Fr Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, Prof Gervasio Mendes, Principal of Govt College Sankhali and Dr Frederico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr Agnel College Pilar.
The conference began with a devotional dance by Sejal Dicholker and Yogita Gawande from Govt College, Sankhali. 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’ proposed the vote of thanks and Alisha Souza compered at the inaugural session.
The sammelan saw a panel discussion on the theme ‘Challenges to Inter-Religious Harmony in our times’, after which there were two parallel workshops on the themes, Managing Conflicts and Exploring Unconscious Biases.
The keynote address was 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’, after which there were two parallel workshops on the themes, Managing Conflicts and Exploring Unconscious Biases.
The first day of the conference came to an end with a brief cultural programme by the students of Govt College, Sankhali.
It being International Wheelchair Day, 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 had paper presentations moderated by Prof Mendes, 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 Momin Womens’ College, Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, presented a paper on ‘Inter-Religious Action for Peace and Communal Harmony’.
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 conference came to a close with sharing of insights by Prof Mendes and Dr Rodrigues. The evening also saw the presentation of cultural items by the students of Fr Agnel College, Pilar.
The two-day National Interfaith Conference received tremendous support from students, academicians and delegates from across the country.
