PANAJI
Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with the Conference of Religious India (Goa Unit) and the Solidarity Forum of Pilar Seminary, organised Samvad, a theological dialogue on “Compassion Across Faiths: Building Bridges in a Divided World” at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on November 16. The event marked the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza.
The initiative aims to promote interreligious dialogue, harmony, and solidarity. The programme explored how compassion is understood and practised across various faiths, highlighting shared values and encouraging participants to embrace compassion in daily life.
The panel featured Akila Sadik Bepari, clinical psychologist and alternative medicine therapist; Dr Mahesh Pednekar; Dhamachari Prajnacakshu; Prof Joan Rebello, retired professor from Shree Damodar College, Margao; Satish Gawde, assistant professor in Sanskrit at Swami Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya, Kundaim; and Smriti Bhambra, corporate manager in learning and development.
Bepari presented the Islamic perspective, stating that compassion is central to Islam and rooted in God’s merciful nature. She said compassion must extend to the self, society, the poor, animals, and the environment, and described the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum” as a prayer of peace.
Dr Pednekar discussed the Buddhist concept of karuna, calling it an active, wise response aimed at alleviating suffering. Prof Rebello highlighted compassion as a fundamental value across religions, drawing from Christian teachings such as Agape and the Good Samaritan.
Gawde explained the Hindu principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which views the world as one family, and said helping all people fosters personal and societal change. Bhambra shared the Sikh viewpoint, explaining how Naam Japna, Kirt Karni, and Vand Chhakna guide a life rooted in compassion.
The discussion was moderated by Dr Andre Rafael Fernandes, who stressed personal responsibility in interfaith dialogue. Fr Gabriel Fernandes OFM (Cap), President of CRI (Goa Unit), congratulated the organisers. The programme began with a symbolic watering of a plant by representatives of different faiths and concluded with the Sadbhav Anthem.
Fr Elvis Fernandes SFX welcomed the gathering, Irene George proposed the vote of thanks, and Janessa D’Melo compered the event.
