A REPORT ABOUT SADBHAV SAMMELAN 2024

Shri Jaspal Singh, IPS, the DGP of Goa, speaking at the just concluded two-day ‘Sadbhav Sammelan
2024’ – a national Interfaith conference, said that “God has created us of the same sand and all are
equal, all are God’s image and all have to merge in the same sand”. As the chief guest at the
inaugural session, he expressed his joy on being part of the conference and said that “such
Sammelans need to be organised quite often and they should be organised across the state and
country so that people really understand the meaning of the scriptures, the message of oneness
given by all the scriptures and by our living document of the country, that is, the Constitution of
India”. Referring to the existential reality, he said, that “There are conflicts in the world, however, it is
only through such Sammelan’s that we can march towards peace and harmony” He further said that
“The Constitution of the country reflects inclusion and equality envisioned by our founding fathers.
The Constitution treats all people equal; all rights are available to all people. Everybody’s right has
been catered to by our Constitution. The constitution never discriminates”. He expressed hope saying
that “I am sure that the two-day conference will come with lot of excellent ideas to ensure that we
are an inclusive society”

‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’, the second edition, was held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre Pilar on 1st and
2nd March 2024. Over 150 delegates participated in the two-day conference. The theme of the
conference was “Diversity and Inclusion’ and was jointly organised by ‘Sadbhav’ (an endeavour of the
Society of Pilar for fostering Inter-Religious dialogue, harmony, solidarity and fellowship);
Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim Goa, Department of Hindi (UG, PG,
and Hindi Research Centre) and Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar.

At the very outset, in his welcome address Dr. Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of ‘Sadbhav’ and ‘Sadbhav
Sammelan 2024’ said that “the purpose of the conference is to encourage students, educators,
researchers, peace activists, Faith leaders to unite in fostering peaceful coexistence and communal
harmony through academic discourse and discussions; and through the medium of Art and culture”.
He exhorted the gathering to pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work towards
fostering peace, harmony and solidarity in our country during the two-days of conversation and
reflection with people from different Faiths and walks of life.

Also present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General, Society of Pilar,
Goa and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa along with Prof.
Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes, Principal of Govt. College Sankhli and Dr. Frederico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr.
Agnel College Pilar,

The two-day conference began with a devotional dance by Kum. Sejal Dicholker and Kum. Yogita
Gawande from Govt. College Sankhli. This was followed by an act of watering a plant by the
dignitaries symbolising diversity and inclusion. Prof. Soniya Sirsat, Co-convenor of ‘Sadbhav
Sammelan 2024’ and Head Department of Hindi (UG, PG and Hindi Research Centre) proposed the
vote of thanks and Alisha Souza, Assistant Professor in English compered at the inaugural session
which came to an end with the singing of the national anthem.

The inaugural session was followed by a Keynote address delivered by Dr. A. K. Merchant, General
Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation (A Global Interfaith Association), Delhi, on the
theme ‘Diversity and Inclusion: A Mindset for Inter-Religious Co-existence and Harmony’.He said that
“False notions of racial supremacy, national ambition, sectarian superiority, caste prejudice,
international terrorism, and class struggle have totally confounded the leaders and the masses
virtually in every country from understanding their true purpose of existence on earth”. He further
said that respect for diversity and inclusion will lead us through a process of shifting the focus from
individual well-being to collective well-being”

This was followed by a Panel discussion on the theme ‘Challenges to Inter-Religious Harmony in our
times’. The discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida, Director, Shantidhyana Meditation
Centre, Agacaim Goa. Ar. Tallulah D’silva highlighted the need for the spirit of togetherness as a
family, looking at everything with a children’s perspective without any prejudices, Peaceful co-
existence and not religious tolerance. Dr. Sajith S.J. Sasi focused on mind reprogramming for
interfaith harmony, He highlighted the main essence of religion, He highlighted the views of mystics
like Guru Nanak and proposed the idea to think out of the boxes of Gender, Religion, caste and
politics. Shri. Sandeep Singh Gill proposed the idea of Humanity being the highest duty and virtue of
mankind. He also focused on peace, compassion towards every living being. Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida
appreciated the ideas proposed by the respective panelists, He added the need of embracing
compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love towards living beings for peaceful co-existence and
harmony.

Post lunch, there were two parallel workshops. Prof. Kishu Daswani, Professor, Government Law
College and St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Maharashtra conducted a workshop on the theme -
Managing Conflicts. Prof. Daswani highlighted the factors responsible for conflicts and the need to
tackle them for peaceful co-existence. He also gave tactics for resolving conflicts giving few key points
like focusing on the issue and not personality, focusing on issue and not position, interest-based
approach, focusing on present and future not past and many more. The workshop was very much
vibrant and interactive through presentations like films, documentaries and real-life cases. While the
other workshop was on the theme - Exploring Unconscious Biases, by Prof. Andy Silveria, Assistant
Professor, Goa Institute of Management Sanquelim.Prof. Silveria, highlighted emotions of love and
care being a core element amongst mankind. Compassion towards others irrespective of their
gender. They also threw some light over Affinity bias, Hindsight bias and Attribution bias, Perception
bias stereotypes and assumptions.

The first day of the conference came to an end with a brief cultural programme by the students of
Govt. College Sanquelim. Being International Wheelchair Day, Mr. Niranjan Jadhav shared his story
and thoughts on disability and also demonstrated the use of motorised tricycle. The other items
included a Skit on ‘Suttkecho Shwas’ written by Prof. Prakash Vazrikar and a youth anthem
highlighting diversity and inclusion.

The second day of the conference began with three paper presentations moderated by Prof. Gervasio
S.F.L. Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sanquelim. Dr. Victor Ferrao, Professor of Philosophy, Rachol
Seminary, Goa, and Jnana Deepa, Pune presented on the topic ‘From Othering to Belonging and
Bridging’. Dr. Ferrao mentioned scholars like Slavoj Zizek, Jean Paul Satre, Emanuel Levinas, Jacques
Derrida, Bung-Chul Han, Jean- Luc Nancy,Jacques Lacan, Gills Deleuze and Felix Guattari, Ailan
Badiou. He also proposed the idea of Ethical Spacing. Prof. Amita Valmiki, Professor and Head,
Department of Philosophy Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science and Commerce
Mumbai presented a paper on ‘Beating the hate: Strengthening Inter- Religious Trust and Respect’.
Prof. Valmiki highlighted the thoughts of thinkers like Gautam Buddha, Khalil Gibran, M.K Gandhi,
Dalai Lama, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand and many more. She highlighted the need
for communal harmony and peaceful co-existence through dialogues. Dr. Tabassum Sheikh, Principal,
G.M, Momim Womens’ College Bhiwandi Maharashtra presented a paper on ‘Inter-Religious Action
for Peace and Communal Harmony’ Prof. Sheikh highlighted the need of compassion and inclusivity
towards nature and its forms. She emphasised on nurturing values.

Prof. Gervasio S.F.L Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sanquelim being the moderator appreciated the
ideas proposed by the respective panelists and gave a call upon a dialogue to sensitise people
towards compassion and harmony.

After lunch, Dr. Omkar Bhatkar Co-founder and Head, of St. Andrew’s Centre for Philosophy and
Performing Arts, Mumbai facilitated the ‘Samvaad Sabha’ a discussion on the theme ‘Celebrating the
Culture of Coexistence and Communal Harmony. Dr. Bhatkar facilitated a conversation through
interesting powerpoint presentations, real life stories and experiences with a historical, social,
cultural and religious perspective showing peaceful co-existence in religions and its people.

The entire two-days interfaith conference came to a close with sharing of insights by Prof. Gervasio
S.F.L. Mendes Principal of Govt. College Sanquelim and Dr. Frederico Rodrigues, Principal, Fr. Agnel
College, Pilar. The evening also saw the presentation of cultural items by the students of Fr. Agnel
College, Pilar. They staged a street play titled “shanti mogi somudai amkam zai’ written by Dr. Tanvi
Bambolkar and also a kathak dance. A group called Seekers sang poems of Kabir and Gorakhnath on
the themes of Peace and harmony. ‘Morulo’, a folk dance which mimics the movements of the
peacock was performed by Sateri Kelmand from Keri, coordinated by Prabhakar Majik. The
programme ended with a vote of thanks by Smt. Irene George, Co-convenor Sadbhav Sammelan
2024, followed the singing of the National Anthem.

EDITED REPORT SENT TO THE PRESS

All are equal and All are God’s image: DGP, Goa
Shri Jaspal Singh, IPS, DGP of Goa, speaking at the just concluded two-day ‘Sadbhav
Sammelan 2024’ – a national Interfaith conference, said that “God has created us of the same
sand and all are equal, all are God’s image and all have to mere in the same sand”.
Expressing his joy, he said that “such sammelans need to be organised quite often and they
should be organised across the state, across the country so that people really understand the
meaning of the scriptures, the message of oneness given by all the scriptures and by our
living document of the country, that is the constitution of India. There are conflicts in the
world, however, it is only through such sammelan’s that we can march towards peace and
harmony” He further said that “The constitution of the country reflects inclusion, it also
reflects equality. This ethos of inclusion was envisioned by our founding fathers in the
constitution of India. The constitution treats all people equal; all rights are available to all
people. Everybody’s right has been catered to by our constitution. The constitution never
discriminates”. He expressed hope saying that “I am sure that the two-day conference will
come with lot of excellent ideas to ensure that we are an inclusive society”
The Second Edition of ‘Sadbhav Sammelan’, with the theme, “Diversity and Inclusion’ was
held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre Pilar on 1st and 2nd March 2024. The conference was jointly
organised by ‘Sadbhav’ (an endeavour of the Society of Pilar for fostering Inter-Religious
dialogue, harmony, solidarity and fellowship); Government College of Arts, Science and
Commerce, Sanquelim Goa, Department of Hindi (UG, PG, and Hindi Research Centre) and
Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar.
In his welcome address Dr. Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav and Sadbhav Sammelan
2024 said that “the purpose is to encourage students, educators, researchers, peace activists,
Faith leaders to unite in fostering peaceful coexistence and communal harmony through
academic discourse and discussions; and through the medium of Art and culture”. He
exhorted the gathering to pledge to preserve the spirit of unity in diversity and work towards
fostering peace, harmony and solidarity in our country during the two-days of conversation
and reflection with people from different Faiths and walks of life.
Also present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General, Society of
Pilar, Goa and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa along
with Prof. Gervasio S.F.L.Mendes, Principal of Govt. College Sankhli and Dr. Frederico
Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College Pilar,
The two-day conference began with a devotional dance by Kum. Sejal Dicholker and Kum.
Yogita Gawande from Govt. College Sankhli. This was followed by an act of watering a
plant by the dignitaries symbolising diversity and inclusion. Prof. Soniya Sirsat, Head
Department of Hindi (UG, PG and Hindi Research Centre) proposed the vote of thanks and
Alisha Souza, Assistant Professor in English compered . The inaugural session came to an
end with the singing of the national anthem.

This was followed by the Keynote address delivered by Dr. A. K. Merchant, General
Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation (A Global Interfaith Association),
Delhi, on the theme ‘Diversity and Inclusion: A Mindset for Inter-Religious Co-existence and
Harmony’. He said that “False notions of racial supremacy, national ambition, sectarian
superiority, caste prejudice, international terrorism, and class struggle have totally
confounded the leaders and the masses virtually in every country from understanding their
true purpose of existence on earth”. He further said that respect for diversity and inclusion
will lead us through a process of shifting the focus from individual well-being to collective
well-being”.

This was followed by a Panel discussion on the theme ‘Challenges to Inter-Religious

Harmony in our times’. The discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida,
Director, Shantidhyana Meditation Centre, Agacaim Goa. Ar. Tallulah D’silva highlighted
the need for the spirit of togetherness as a family, looking at everything with a children’s
perspective without any prejudices, Peaceful co-existence and not religious tolerance. Dr.
Sajith S.J. Sasi focused on mind reprogramming for interfaith harmony, He highlighted the
main essence of religion, He highlighted the views of mystics like Guru Nanak and proposed
the idea to think out of the boxes of Gender, Religion, caste and politics. Shri. Sandeep Singh
Gill proposed the idea of Humanity being the highest duty and virtue of mankind. He also
focused on peace, compassion towards every living being. Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida
appreciated the ideas proposed by the respective panelists, He added the need of embracing
compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love towards living beings for peaceful co-
existence and harmony.
Post lunch, there were two parallel workshops. Prof. Kishu Daswani, Professor, Government
Law College and St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Maharashtra conducted a workshop on the
theme - Managing Conflicts. Prof. Daswani highlighted the factors responsible for conflicts
and the need to tackle them for peaceful co-existence. He also gave tactics for resolving
conflicts giving few key points like focusing on the issue and not personality, focusing on
issue and not position, interest-based approach, focusing on present and future not past and
many more. The workshop was very much vibrant and interactive through presentations like
films, documentaries and real-life cases. While the other workshop was on the theme -
Exploring Unconscious Biases, by Prof. Andy Silveria, Assistant Professor, Goa Institute of
Management Sanquelim.Prof. Silveria, highlighted emotions of love and care being a core
element amongst mankind. Compassion towards others irrespective of their gender. They also
threw some light over Affinity bias, Hindsight bias and Attribution bias, Perception bias
stereotypes and assumptions.
The first day of the conference came to an end with a brief cultural programme. Being
International Wheelchair Day, at the outset Mr. Niranjan Jadhav shared his story and
thoughts on disability and also demonstrated the use of motorised tricycle. A Skit on
‘Sutakecho Shwas’ written by Prof. Prakash Vazrikar was staged by the students of Govt.
College, Sanquelim. A youth anthem highlighting diversity and inclusion was also sung by
the students.

The second day of the conference began with three paper presentations moderated by Prof.
Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sanquelim. Dr. Victor Ferrao, Professor of
Philosophy, Rachol Seminary, Goa, and Jnana Deepa, Pune presented on the topic ‘From
Othering to Belonging and Bridging’. Dr. Ferrao mentioned scholars like Slavoj Zizek, Jean
Paul Satre, Emanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, Bung-Chul Han, Jean- Luc Nancy,Jacques
Lacan, Gills Deleuze and Felix Guattari, Ailan Badiou. He also proposed the idea of Ethical
Spacing. Prof. Amita Valmiki, Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy Ramniranjan
Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science and Commerce Mumbai presented a paper on
‘Beating the hate: Strengthening Inter- Religious Trust and Respect’. Prof. Valmiki
highlighted the thoughts of thinkers like Gautam Buddha, Khalil Gibran, M.K Gandhi, Dalai
Lama, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand and many more. She highlighted the
need for communal harmony and peaceful co-existence through dialogues. Dr. Tabassum
Sheikh, Principal, G.M, Momim Womens’ College Bhiwandi Maharashtra presented a paper
on ‘Inter-Religious Action for Peace and Communal Harmony’ Prof. Sheikh highlighted the
need of compassion and inclusivity towards nature and its forms. She emphasised on
nurturing values.
Prof. Gervasio S.F.L Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sankhli being the moderator
appreciated the ideas proposed by the respective panelists and gave a call upon a dialogue to
sensitise people towards compassion and harmony.
After lunch, Dr. Omkar Bhatkar Co-founder and Head, of St. Andrew’s Centre for
Philosophy and Performing Arts, Mumbai facilitated the ‘Samvaad Sabha’ a discussion on
the theme ‘Celebrating the Culture of Coexistence and Communal Harmony. Dr. Bhatkar
facilitated a conversation through interesting powerpoint presentations, real life stories and
experiences with a historical, social, cultural and religious perspective showing peaceful co-
existence in religions and its people.
In the evening a street play titled “shanti mogi somudai amkam zai’ written by Dr. Tanvi
Bambolkar was presented by the students of Fr. Agnel College Pilar Goa. A kathak dance
was also performed by Abhishek, Vijay and Chelsea. Poems of Mystics like Kabir and
Gorakhnath were performed by a group called Seekers on the themes of Peace and harmony.
A folk dance ‘Morulo’ was performed by (The name of the Group needs to be mentioned)
The entire two-days interfaith conference came to a close with sharing of insights by Prof.
Gervasio S.F.L.Mendes Principal of Govt. College Sankhli and Dr. Frederico Rodrigues,
Principal, Fr. Agnel College, Pilar. The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Irene George,
Co-convenor Sadbhav Sammelan 2024 from Fr. Agnel College Pilar which was followed by
singing of the national anthem. The two-day National Interfaith Conference received
tremendous support from students, academicians’ delegates across the country.

END

ORIGINAL REPORT

All are equal and All are God’s image: DGP, Goa
Shri Jaspal Singh, IPS, DGP of Goa, speaking at the just concluded two-day
‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’ – a national Interfaith conference, said that “God has
created us of the same sand and all are equal, all are God’s image and all have to
mere in the same sand”. Expressing his joy, he said that “such sammelans need
to be organised quite often and they should be organised across the state, across
the country so that people really understand the meaning of the scriptures, the
message of oneness given by all the scriptures and by our living document of
the country, that is the constitution of India. There are conflicts in the world,
however, it is only through such sammelan’s that we can march towards peace
and harmony” He further said that “The constitution of the country reflects
inclusion, it also reflects equality. This ethos of inclusion was envisioned by
our founding fathers in the constitution of India. The constitution treats all
person equal, all rights are available to all people. Everybody’s right has been
catered to by our constitution. The constitution never discriminates”. He
expressed hope saying that “I am sure that the two-day conference will come
with lot of excellent ideas to ensure that we are an inclusive society”
The Second Edition of ‘Sadbhav Sammelan’, an unique two-day National
Interfaith Conference, with the theme, “Diversity and Inclusion’ was held at the
Pilar Pilgrim Centre Pilar on 1stand 2nd March 2024. The conference was jointly
organised by ‘Sadbhav’ (an endeavour of the Society of Pilar for fostering Inter-
Religious dialogue, harmony, solidarity and fellowship); Government College
of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim Goa, Department of Hindi (UG,
PG, and Hindi Research Centre) and Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce,
Pilar.
The member of the core organising team of the conference were Prof. Gervasio
S.F.L.Mendes, Principal of Govt. College Sankhli, Fr. Dr. Elvis Fernandes,
Convenor of Sadbhav and Co-convenor of ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’, Dr.
Frederico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College Pilar, Prof. Soniya Sirsat,
H.O.D, Hindi Department, Sanquelim College and Co-convenor of 'Sadbhav
Sammelan 2024' and Smt. Irene George, Counsellor at Fr. Agnel College of Arts
and Commerce, Pilar and Co-convenor of 'Sadbhav Sammelan 2024'.
On 1st March, the inaugural session began with a devotional dance by Kum.
Sejal Dicholker and Kum. Yogita Gawande from Govt. College Sankhli.
The welcome address of the conference was delivered by Fr. Dr. Elvis
Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav and 'Sadbhav Sammelan 2024. He highlighted
the aims and objectives of ‘Sadbhav Sammelan 2024’ and emphasised the need
to bring students, educators, researchers, peace activists, faith leaders together
on one mega platform to promote the idea of peaceful co-existence and
harmony.
Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General, Society of Pilar, Goa and Rev.
Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Director, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa were the
special guests. Fr. Nazareth, in his key note address proposed the idea of Inter-
religious dialogue and faith. He picturised the world being together in
Communal Harmony respectively while Rev. Fr. Lawrence Fernandes, Director,
Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa highlighted the theme as most appropriate theme
resembling to the need of hour. He also emphasised the need of celebrating
diversity and inclusiveness and such conferences needs to be conducted on a
mega scale to bring a mindset of harmony amongst people.
Shri. Shri Jaspal Singh, I.P.S, D.G.P, Goa was the Chief Guest of the event. He
mentioned verses of Guru Granth Sahib in his key note address. He highlighted
the ethos of Inclusion and connected it with the Constitution of India. He
emphasised that the Constitution reflects inclusion, equality, and equal
protection of the law. He also reflected over the need of understanding our
scriptures and congratulated the organisers for having such unique conference
which will lead to an inclusive society full of excellent ideas and harmony. The
vote of thanks of the inaugural session was delivered by Prof. Soniya Sirsat,
Head Department of Hindi (UG, PG and Hindi Research Centre) and Ms. Alisha
Souza, Assistant Professor in English was the compere.
Dr. A. K. Merchant, General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India
Foundation (A Global Interfaith Association), Delhi delivered the Keynote
Address on the theme ‘Diversity and Inclusion: A Mindset for Inter-Religious
Co-existence and Harmony’. He highlighted the advancement of our
civilisation, spiritual ideas
A Panel discussion was held on ‘Challenges to Inter-Religious Harmony in our
times’. The discussion was moderated by Rev. Dr. Ivon D Almeida, Director,
Shantidhyana Meditation Centre, Agacaim Goa. Ar. Tallulah D’silva highlighted
the need of spirit of togetherness as a family, looking everything with a
children’s perspective without any prejudices, Peaceful co-existence and not
religious tolerance. Dr. Sajith S.J. Sasi focused on mind reprogramming for
interfaith harmony, He highlighted the main essence of religion, He highlighted
the views of mystics like Guru Nanak and proposed the idea to think out of the
boxes of Gender, Religion, caste and politics.Shri. Sandeep Singh Gill proposed
the idea of Humanity being the highest duty and virtue of mankind. He also
focused on peace, compassion towards each every living being. Rev. Dr. Ivon D
Almeida moderated the session and appreciated the ideas proposed by the
respective panelists, He added the need of embracing compassion, forgiveness
and unconditional love towards living beings for peaceful co-existance and
harmony. He also had a dialogue on terms like Upavasa and Chittavruttinirodh
discussed in Upanishads.
Post lunch, there were two parallel workshops. Prof. Kishu Daswani, Professor,
Government Law College and St. Xavier’s College Mumbai, Maharashtra be
conducted a workshop on the theme - Managing Conflicts. Prof. Daswani
highlighted the factors responsible for conflicts and the need to tackle them for
peaceful co-existence. He also gave tactics for resolving conflicts giving few
keypoints like focusing on the issue and not personality, focusing on issue and
not position, interest-based approach, focusing on present and future not past
and many more. The workshop was very much vibrant and interactive through
presentations like films, documentaries and real-life cases. The vote of thanks
was delivered by Ms. Tanuja Gaunkar, Assistant Professor in Hindi and the
programme was compered by Mr. Suvidhya Dharwadkar, Assistant Professor in
Hindi from Govt. College Sankhli.
While the other workshop was on the theme - Exploring Unconscious Biases,
by Prof. Andy Silveria, Assistant Professor, Goa Institute of Management
Sanquelim.Prof. Silveria, highlighted emotions of love and care being a core
element amongst mankind. Compassion towards others irrespective to their
gender.She also threw some light over Affinity bias, Hindsight bias and
Attribution bias, Perception bias stereotypes and assumptions. The vote of
thanks and compere was Ms. Diane Cardoz, a student from Fr. Agnel College
Pilar.Both the sessions received tremendous from the audience.
The first day of the conference came to an end with a speech by Mr. Niranjan
Jadhav on awarness of disability, a skit and youth anthem highlighting diversity
and inclusion by the students of Govt. College Sanquelim.Mr. Niranjan Jadhav
motivated the audience with his inspiring story and insights and his viewpoint
towards disability. A Skit on ‘Sutakecho Shwas’ written by Prof. Prakash
Vazrikar was played by the students.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Pooja Barve, Assistant Professor in
Hindi and the programme was compered by Dr. Anita Jacob, Associate
Professor in English.

On 2nd March, the second day of the conference began with three paper
presentations moderated by Prof. Gervasio S.F.L. Mendes, Principal Govt.
College Sanquelim. Dr. Victor Ferrao, Professor of Philosophy, Rachol
Seminary, Goa, and Jnana Deepa, Pune will present on the topic ‘From Othering
to Belonging and Bridging’.Dr. Ferrao mentioned scholars like Slavoj Zizek,
Jean Paul Satre, Emanuel Levinas, Jacques Derrida, Bung-Chul Han, Jean- Luc
Nancy,Jacques Lacan, Gills Deleuze and Felix Guattari, Ailan Badiou. He also
proposed the idea of Ethical Spacing Prof. Amita Valmiki, Professor and Head,
Department of Philosophy Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science
and Commerce Mumbai will speak on ‘Beating the hate: Strengthening Inter-
Religious Trust and Respect’.Prof. Valmiki highlighted the thoughts of thinkers
like Gautam Buddha, Khalil Gibran, M.K Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Ramakrishna
Paramhansa, Swami Vivekanand and many more. She highlighted the need of
communal harmony and peaceful co-existence through dialogues. Dr. Tabassum
Sheikh, Principal, G.M, Momim Womens’ College Bhiwandi Maharashtra on
‘Inter-Religious Action for Peace and Communal Harmony’ Prof. Sheikh
highlighted the need of compassion and inclusivity towards nature and its
forms. She emphasised on nurturing values.
Prof. Gervasio S.F.L Mendes, Principal Govt. College Sankhli being the
moderator appreciated the ideas proposed by the respective panelists and gave a
call upon a dialogue to sensatise people towards compassion and harmony. The
vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sufala Pujari, Assistant Professor in
Geology and the session was compered by Ms. Aranxta Fernandes, Assistant
Professor in English
After lunch, Dr. Omkar Bhatkar Co-founder and Head, of St. Andrew’s Centre
for Philosophy and Performing Arts, Mumbai facilitated the ‘Samvaad Sabha’ a
discussion on the theme ‘Celebrating the Culture of Co-Existence and
Communal Harmony’Dr. Bhatkar facilitated a conversation through interesting
powerpoint presentations, real life stories and experiences with a historical,
social, cultural and religious perspective showing peaceful co-existence in
religions and its people.Ms. Diane Cardoz, a student of Fr. Agnel College Pilar
proposed the vote of thanks and compered the session.
A Cultural Programme was conducted by Fr. Agnel College Pilar Goa and
Poems of Mystics like Kabir and Gorakhnath by Seekers of Goa were sung on
the themes of Peace and harmony.The vote of thanks and the programme was
compered by Ms. Shania Fernandes, A student of Fr. Agnel College Pilar.
A Cultural Dance ‘Morulo’ conducted by (The name of the Group needs to be
mentioned) received immense support from the audience.Dr. Anita Jacob,
Associate professor in English compered the session.The sessions came to an
end with the closing insights by Prof. Gervasio S.F.L.Mendes Principal of Govt.
College Sankhli.Prof. Mendes thanked the organising team for the fruitful
outcome of the conference. The vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Irene
George, Co-convenor Sadbhav Sammelan 2024 from Fr. Agnel College Pilar
and the programme was compered by Ms. Priyanka Chawan, Assistant
Professor in Hindi from Govt. College Sankhli. The two-day National Interfaith
Conference received tremendous support from students, academicians’
delegates across the country.