Sanguem Hosts “Sanguem Sadbhavna Dis” in Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy

In a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring legacy of peace, the serene town of Sanguem in South Goa hosted the “Sanguem Sadbhavna Dis,” drawing together faith leaders, community members, and youth under the evocative theme: “Non-Violence in Sacred Texts Across Faiths.” Organized by the Solidarity Forum of the Society of Pilar on 2 October, the event served as a poignant extension of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations, emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence) as a universal bridge between religions.

The program began with a multi-faith invocation led by school students followed with a welcome address by Fr. Lelwin Pereira, the Assistant Parish Priest.  Professor Constancio Fernandes, the keynote speaker, paid rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and noted that Gandhi is more relevant today than ever in this nuclear age, when the threat of a third world war looms overhead. He emphasized the need to follow Gandhi’s principles of peace and non-violence or risk dire consequences.

Commenting on non-violence in religious texts across faiths, he stated that no religion preaches violence and that love, peace, and service to humanity form the core tenets of all religions. He added that humanity is the greatest of all religions and suggested that the basic tenets of all religions should be taught in schools as part of value education to promote communal harmony.

Held at the Miracles Church hall, the program attracted over 200 participants from different faiths, alongside students from nearby schools. Students from various schools in Sanguem performed, including Union High School, Miracles High School, Miracles Pre-Primary School, Our Lady of Piety Primary School, Uguem, Our Lady of Fatima High School, Rivona, and Miracles Parish Youth.

The seminarians from the Pilar Seminary presented an outstanding Hindi skit conveying a powerful message of unity and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, transcending religious differences. The initiative, timed just after the United Nations’ International Day of Non-Violence, aimed to highlight how ancient scriptures from diverse traditions converge on the rejection of violence, fostering dialogue in an era marked by rising communal tensions.

Pachu Menon, columnist and author remarked, “There couldn't have been a better day to celebrate the Sanguem Sadbhavna Dis ... the birth anniversary of the apostle of peace.” He emphasized that the event, through its speakers and participants performing various programs on stage, underscored the need to work towards unity, tolerance, and goodwill among people of all religions. He stated, “No religion endorses violence. It was amply demonstrated that there is more that unites us as countrymen than divides us.”

Mohammad Mugees Siddiqui, Imam of Jama Masjid, Sanguem, expressed, “I felt happy to be part of the program. Such programs, if held throughout India, would be beneficial for our country in promoting peace, brotherhood, and unity.” He added, “Sanguem, with its diversity of cultures, embodies Goa’s pluralistic spirit.”

The program was ably compered by Rimmy Vas and Gleeza Pereira and concluded with the national anthem. In a state where interfaith bonds have weathered historical storms, today’s gathering reaffirmed that sacred texts, when read with compassion, hold the key to a violence-free future.