Sadbhav, Goa, Hosts Panel Discussion on Compassion Across Faiths

Goa, November 16, 2025: 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, Pilar, Goa, to commemorate the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza.

Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, seeks to promote interreligious dialogue, harmony, and solidarity. The programme explored how compassion is understood and practised across different faiths, highlighting common values and encouraging participants to incorporate compassion into their personal and community lives.

The panelists included Akila Sadik Bepari, Clinical Psychologist and Alternative Medicine Therapist, Dr. Mahesh Pednekar; Dhamachari Prajnacakshu; Prof. Joan Rebello, Retired Professor of English at Shree Damodar College, Margao; Satish Gawde, Assistant  Professorin Sankskrit, Swami Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya Kundaim, Goa; and Smriti Bhambra, Corporate Manager, Learning and Development.

Ms. Bepari presented the Islamic perspective, explaining that compassion is central to Islam, rooted in God’s merciful nature. She noted that compassion extends to self, family, society, the poor, animals, and the environment, making it a universal duty. She highlighted the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum” as a prayer of peace and quoted Prophet Muhammad: “The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who are merciful. Be merciful to those on earth.”

Dr. Pednekar discussed the Buddhist concept of karuṇā, defining it as an active response to suffering with the intention to alleviate it. He emphasized that true compassion is practical, transformative, and rooted in wisdom, encompassing care for both those who suffer and those who cause suffering.

Prof. Rebello highlighted compassion as a core value across religions, urging participants to enter into others’ pain with a desire to heal. She cited Christian teachings on Agape, the Good Samaritan, and the ethic “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Satish Gawde spoke on Hinduism’s spiritual vision, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — stressing that helping all, regardless of faith, fosters moral living and societal change. 

Smriti Bhambra shared the Sikh perspective, highlighting how Naam Japna, Kirt Karni, and VandChhakna reflect a life rooted in compassion, quoting Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Let compassion be your cotton, contentment your thread, modesty your knot, and truth your twist.”

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Andre Rafael Fernandes, who stressed personal responsibility in promoting interfaith dialogue. Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM (Cap), President of CRI (Goa Unit), congratulated the organisers, emphasizing that love is the foundation of compassion.

The programme began with the ceremonial watering of a plant by representatives of different faiths and concluded with the Sadbhav Anthem. Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX welcomed the gathering, Irene George offered the vote of thanks, and Janessa D’Melo anchored the event.