PANAJI
The Pilar Theological Institute and Good Shepherd Institute of Theology at Rachol organised an Inter-Seminary Theological Symposium on the theme ‘Committed to one’s Faith, Collaboration with other Faiths’ at the Pilar Seminary Auditorium on Saturday.
The symposium was organised to foster a deeper understanding of inter-religious dialogue and respectful collaboration, especially within the rich and diverse religious landscape of the country.
Adv. Devender Saini, ex-Additional Advocate General of Haryana, Dr Muniza Rafiq Khan, Registrar of the Gandhian Institute of Studies, Varanasi, and Dr Fr Rajkumar Joseph S.J., Principal and Professor at Vidyajyoti College, New Delhi, presented papers at the symposium. Introducing the theme, Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx, Convenor of the Symposium and faculty at Pilar Theological Institute, said mature faith is rooted in its content yet open to adaptive expression, enabling authentic living and meaningful dialogue with the world.
Presenting the Hindu perspective, Adv. Saini stressed the need for inter-religious harmony, highlighting that all major faiths value honesty, kindness, and compassion.
To foster unity, he proposed celebrating each other’s festivals, promoting shared values, and collaborating in education, environmental protection, and disaster relief.
Dr Khan stressed that Islam in the Indian context calls for steadfast faith and respectful cooperation with other religions. Highlighting Islam’s vision of interfaith dialogue rooted in respect, equality, and shared humanity, she pointed to initiatives like Iftar gatherings, Eid Milan, and joint celebrations as concrete steps fostering peace and harmony in pluralistic societies.
Presenting the Christian perspective, Dr Fr Joseph S.J. noted that Christianity is essentially an encounter with Christ, giving believers confidence without insecurity or superiority. Stressing that all religions promote fraternity and inclusivity, he called for balancing conviction in one’s faith with humility to recognise truth in other traditions. He outlined five forms of dialogue—life, action, theological exchange, religious experience, and conflict resolution—and urged building a “culture of encounter” where differences enrich rather than divide.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Fr Donato Rodrigues (Rector, Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol), Fr Norman Almeida Sfx (Rector of Pilar Seminary), and Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx.
The symposium witnessed the participation of Sisters from Mater Dei, Old Goa, scholastics of Pilar Seminary, students from Presentation School, Margao, a Madrasa in Verna, and a Hindu couple from Vasco.
The morning sessions were moderated by Dr Fr Agnelo Pinheiro of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rachol, and Convenor of Apostolate for Interreligious Dialogue. Scholastic Ryan Mascarenhas Sfx and Scholastic Newton Kingsley Sfx presented on the themes ‘Understanding Hinduism: A personal journey’ and ‘My views on Islam’ respectively.
The post-lunch panel discussion was moderated by Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx.
