VALPOI
Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre, Sonshi-Honda, in collaboration with Sadbhav, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, organised a ‘Sattari-Sadbhavna Dis’ at Honda-Sattari.
Sattari-Sabhavna Dis, a celebration of togetherness, is an initiative to bring together people from different faiths and walks of life to engage in conversation and reflection and pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work towards fostering peace, harmony and solidarity.
‘Diversity & Harmony’ was the overall theme of the celebration. Three women speakers from different faith communities spoke on the occasion.
Prof. Shirin Sheikh, Assistant Professor from Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, Goa spoke on ‘Respecting Religious Diversity’, Naman Sawant Dhawaskar, writer & social activist from Valpoi, spoke on ‘Education for peace and harmony’ and Guadalupe Dias, well-known poet/writer from Majorda spoke on ‘Preserving social and communal harmony in Goa’.
Rev. Fr Dominic Alvares, Director of Pioneer Readers Club & Socio-Cultural Centre, welcomed the gathering. He also spoke about the involvement of the Society of Pilar among the people of Sattari, especially in Sonshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav, in his keynote address spoke about the golden heritage of India and the values enshrined in the Indian constitution.
“We have come together to pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work for fostering peace, harmony and solidarity,” said Fr Fernandes.
Chief Guest Rajendra Kerkar, a well-known environmentalist, said there are numerous and inspiring examples of communal harmony in Goa.
Lauding the Society of Pilar for taking keen interest in promoting communal amity and harmony, he called upon the gathering to preserve and pass down this great heritage to the coming generation.
Guest of honour, Rev. Fr Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar, said all people have the responsibility to live in harmony and peace as children of God.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Rev. Fr Mateus Fernandes, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, Society of Pilar, Prakash Gawas, social worker and businessman, and Shivdas Madkar, Sarpanch of Honda.
The speeches were interspersed with a variety of items and they included a devotional dance by students of Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre, a street play, ‘Shanti Mogi Somudai Amkam Zai’ performed by Shri Shiv Chidambar Sanskrutik Kala Mandal, Kudne-Sanquelim, a Qawwali based on the theme of humanity written by Rev. Fr George Nandiyala and sung by members of the Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre.
A patriotic dance was performed by Pranjal Gawas and Prajakta Gawas from Honda. A Group Song titled ‘Let there be Love, Joy and Hope’ was performed by Destiny Music Academy.
Fr George Nandiyala the programme coordinator proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Aishwarya Chari, a popular host from Poriem-Sattari.
