Sadbhav Sadhana fosters Interfaith Dialogue

Sadbhav Sadhana, a dialogue of religious experience, where individuals from diverse religious backgrounds came together to share their spiritual journeys, was curated by Sadbhav, an interfaith forum of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with Subhamjinn Ashram and Tambdi Maati Foundation. Through personal stories of prayer, contemplation, and the search for the divine, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue that fostered mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. The programme was held over the weekend of March 14-15, 2026 at Subhamjinn Ashram, Agasaim, a centre for spirituality of the Society of Pilar.  

Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav, warmly welcomed everyone, emphasizing the mission of Sadbhav Sadhana. He said, “We are here to share our spiritual journeys and enrich our understanding through dialogue.”

In the afternoon, Ahana Gulwadi, engaged the participants through spiritual songs which was followed by a session titled “Sharing of Spiritual Riches,” facilitated by Fr. Hilario Fernandes, the acharya of the Ashram. During this session, participants reflected on their personal spiritual experiences, leading to heartfelt exchanges. Varun D’Silva shared, “I learned from participants of different religions how they practice their faith and saw the similarities among us.”

Later in the evening, the group visited the Mosque at Pilar, the Chamunda Devi temple at Sulabhat, Agasaim, and the St. Lawrence Church at Agasaim. This allowed a direct engagement with various faith traditions. This outing was particularly impactful for Shakiba, who reflected, " The visit to the Mosque, Church, and the Temple was nice; it was something I always wanted to do”

The evening concluded with a meditation led by Fr. Hilario, an interfaith prayer for peace by Marisha and a shared dinner that fostered deeper connections. “We sat together, shared meals, and stories” noted Shravani Matodkar, highlighting the importance of unity in making a significant difference.

In the morning of the second day, the participants were involved in a Beach clean-up at the Dandi Beach, Agasaim, led by noted environmentalist Tallulah D’Silva. This beach cleaning initiative engaged participants in “Dialogue of Deeds” – a form of dialogue, where people of different religions collaborate on social issues such as environmental care. The purpose is to translate dialogue into tangible outcomes that benefit society, emphasizing shared moral commitments over doctrinal differences. Marisha Gonsalves, summed up the feelings of many when she said, “Working together on the beach clean-up reminds us that we can make a difference when we unite, not just for ourselves but for the health of our environment.”

Later, the participants engaged in reflective discussions and activities, including reading and reflecting on sacred texts facilitated by Fr. Elvis. A session on Eco-Spirituality led by Fr. Joseph Caji Barretto, and hands-on experiences with mud facilitated by Tallulah and Ahana fostered a deep connection with nature and mother earth. Swarnjeet Singh, one of the participants remarked, “It was a good sensory experience. The earth can sustain us more than we think.”

As the programme drew to a close, Sohana Sarkar facilitated a session for sharing experiences and insights, allowing participants to express their reflections on the two days. "All the moments here surpass religious communities; there is an exchange of love and care," she noted, encapsulating the transformative spirit of the gathering.

“The whole experience fortified my faith in the idea that God is present not just at the altar but also in all of us and in nature,” said Dr. Jonathan Jorge, a physiotherapist at the Goa Medical College.

“At Sadbhav Sadhana, all religions are accepted. When religion, often the basis of division, is embraced, it creates inclusivity for everyone,” stated Vishal Rawley, one of the facilitators, encapsulating the essence of the gathering.

As participants reflected on their shared experiences, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in such meaningful dialogue and looked forward to future gatherings that promote peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among different religious traditions.

Through the dialogue of religious experience and deeds, Sadbhav Sadhana exemplified the beauty of unity within diversity, resonating deeply with the universal human quest for connection and spiritual fulfilment.