India News

Media Release

Honda - Goa, Jan 31 : On the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, Pioneer Readers Club & Socio-Cultural Centre, Sonshi, Honda, Goa in collaboration with Sadbhav, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa, organised ‘Sattari-Sadbhavna Dis’ on 26 January 2024 at Sundaram Hall, Honda, Sattari, Goa. 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 S. Sheikh, Assistant Professor from Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, Goa spoke on ‘Respecting Religious Diversity’; Smt. Naman Sawant Dhawaskar, writer & social activist from Valpoi spoke on ‘Education for peace and harmony’ and Smt. Guadalupe Dias, well-known poet/writer from Majorda spoke on ‘Preserving social and communal harmony in Goa’.

Rev. Fr. Mateus Fernandes, Provincial Superior, Goa Province, presenting a memento to Shri Rajendra Kerkar

Shri Rajendra Kerkar, Chief Guest, presenting a memento to Prof. Shirin S. Sheik

Shri Rajendra Kerkar, Chief Guest, presenting a memento to Smt.Naman Sawant Dhawaskar, one of the speakers

Smt. Guadalupe Dias, one of the speakers seen watering the plant as a sign of fellowship and solidarity

Shri Rajendra Kerkar, Chief Guest, presenting a memento to Smt. Guadalupe Dias, one of the speakers

At the outset of the programme, as a sign of fellowship and solidarity, the dignitaries and speakers watered a plant that was specially placed in the hall. Later Rev. Fr. Dominic Alvares, the 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. He said that he and Fr. George has been in Sonshi for three years and has received a lot of warmth, acceptance, respect and support from the people. Speaking on the occasion Rev. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav, in his keynote address spoke about the golden heritage of India and the values enshrined in the Indian constitution. He further said that “we have come together to pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work for fostering peace, harmony and solidarity”.

The Chief Guest, Shri Rajendra Kerkar, a well-known author and environmentalist said that “we can find numerous and inspiring examples of communal harmony in Goa”. He also mentioned that the Society of Pilar is 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.

The guest of honour, Rev. Fr. Joseph Fernandes, the Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar, said that ‘God has gathered us, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, together to celebrate our identity of being created in God’s image and likeness. He further said that “all of us have the responsibility to live in harmony and peace as children of God”.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Mateus Fernandes, the Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, Society of Pilar; Shri Prakash Gawas, Social worker and Business and Shri ShivdasMadkar, Sarpanch of Honda panchayat.

The speeches were interspersed with a variety of items – a devotional Dance by the students of Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre; a Street Play titled, ‘Shanti Mogi Somudai Amkam Zai’ written by Dr. Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar, directed by Shri Tanmay Naik was performed by Shri Shiv Chidambar Sanskrutik Kala Mandal, Digne, Kudne, Sanquelim, Goa. A Qawwali based on the theme of humanity written by Rev. Fr. George Nandiyala, music by Pratamesh Naike was 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 under the leadership of Shri Petrison Andrade from Bhirondem.

The programme was well attended by a cross section of people from different Faiths from Sonshi, Honda, Valpoi, Bhirondem and Sanquelim. Fr. George Nandiyala the programme coordinator proposed the Vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Smt. Aishwarya Chari, a popular host from Poreiem, Sattari.