Sadbhav Milan Held at Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, Goa

An interfaith programme titled “Sadbhav Milan” was organised by Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, in collaboration with Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, with the aim of promoting peace, unity, and mutual respect among people of diverse faiths. The programme held on 13 November 2025 in the Heritage Hall of the College, brought together staff members and students, creating a meaningful platform for dialogue and understanding.

 The event was graced by Dr. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav, as the Keynote Speaker, along with Dr. Fr. Fredrick Rodrigues (Principal) and Dr. Resham Bhambra, IQAC Coordinator. The programme began on a soulful note with the song “Take Me to the River,” beautifully rendered by students Vaibhavi Dicholkar and Siya Almeida, setting a reflective and peaceful atmosphere.

 In his keynote address, Fr. Elvis Fernandes emphasized the significance of interfaith dialogue, stating, "In times of division, it is imperative that we cultivate an environment of dialogue and understanding among different faiths. Sadbhav Milan is a beacon of hope for promoting peace."

 A thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Asst. Prof. Jisha Ponnachan, featured student panelists Swizel Fernandes, Daniella Rozario, Vansh Naik, Sahil Awasthi, Saniya Shaikh, and Mehrunnisha Siddiqui, representing Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. The panel engaged in meaningful discussions on faith-based practices, common misconceptions, generational perspectives, the role of social media, and the universal values of love, forgiveness, and service.

 Swizel Fernandes, one of the student panelists, shared, "Participating in the panel discussion was eye-opening. It reminded me that while our beliefs may differ, our experiences and feelings are often strikingly similar. We need more conversations like these." Daniella Rozario added, "This event really highlighted the importance of empathy. Understanding someone else's faith can be the first step towards building lasting friendships across communities."

 Moderating the panel, Asst. Prof. Jisha Ponnachan remarked, "The students showcased that interfaith discussions can lead to friendship and solidarity, breaking down barriers one dialogue at a time."

 The event was coordinated by Ms. Irene George (College Counsellor) and Asst. Prof. Jisha Ponnachan. Ms. George noted, "The success of Sadbhav Milan illustrates that our students are eager to engage with one another on deeper levels. It's inspiring to see such enthusiasm for learning and understanding."

 Dr. Fr. Fredrick Rodrigues, the Principal, stated, "At Fr. Agnel College, we believe in the power of unity in diversity. Sadbhav Milan is a testament to our commitment to fostering mutual respect and well-being among our students."

The event reaffirmed the message that despite diversity in beliefs, peace, compassion, and coexistence remain shared ideals across all faiths, as reflected in the words of Saniya Shaikh: "Sadbhav Milan made me realize that misconceptions can only be dispelled through dialogue. When we listen and share, we find common ground."

In the end, the sentiments echoed throughout the event embodied Fr. Elvis Fernandes' assertion that, "In today's world, empathy and shared human values are crucial." The Sadbhav Milan event was not just a moment in time but an ongoing commitment to harmony and understanding among all.