PANAJI
Ambassador of Goan Music and Global Fado artiste Sonia Shirsat has said that music transcends religious boundaries by offering a common language that speaks directly to the soul.
She was delivering the keynote address at Yuva Sadbhav 2025, organised by Sadbhav in collaboration with Fr Agnel College of Arts and Science and NGO Uzwaad, at Pilar on August 2. The theme was ‘Harmony in Devotion: The Interplay of Music and Religion.’
Over 80 students from eight colleges and diverse faith traditions participated in the programme, which brought together youth, artistes, and faith leaders to foster dialogue through the universal language of music. Sharing her experiences, Shirsat said, “Beyond doctrinal distinctions, music satiates the human yearning for a deeper connection with the divine.”
The event opened with an interfaith prayer by architect Avni Vishnoi, followed by a welcome from Convenor Rev. Dr Elvis Fernandes, who told the youth, “Our young changemakers are the soul of this gathering, weaving understanding through faith and music.”
A highlight of the day was five concurrent workshops on religious music from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian traditions. Facilitators included Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, Ahana Gulwadi, Harpreet Singh, Harpal Singh, Maryam Hibah, and Zoya Khan Pathan. Participants were divided into groups, guided in dialogue on faith and music, and trained to learn devotional songs, which they later presented.
As part of the celebration, NGO Uzwaad staged a street play, Annekta Mein Ekta – Yahi Hai Hamare Desh Ki Visheshata, on themes of diversity, harmony with nature, and ecological awareness of the Mhadei River. Musical performances by Lazarus, Dias and Gulwadi featured Drupad, a form of Indian classical vocal music.
The programme was attended by Rev. Dr Fredrick Rodrigues, Principal of Fr Agnel College, and Sendra Pereira, Founder of Uzwaad. A reflective feedback session was held before Fr Joseph Caji Barreto delivered the closing remarks. Janessa D’Mello proposed the vote of thanks, while Jisha Ponnachan compered the event.
Yuva Sadbhav is an interfaith project for young people from different beliefs, promoting dialogue, understanding, and inclusive communities.
