Verghese V Joseph –
Pillar: Fr. Agnel Higher Secondary School in Pilar, Goa, in collaboration with the Solidarity Forum, recently held its annual inter-religious solidarity program, “Sadbhavna,” focusing on the theme of Compassion. This event brought together a diverse group of participants, including 560 students, scholastics from the Society of Pilar, teachers, and several distinguished speakers, all united in the pursuit of fostering inter-religious harmony and understanding.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from Principal Fr. Andrew Silveira, who underscored the importance of such initiatives in today’s society. He highlighted the urgency of promoting compassion and solidarity among different faiths and communities. Following his address, Fr. Elvis Fernandes, convenor of the Solidarity Forum, acknowledged the enthusiasm displayed by the school community in sustaining the long-standing tradition of organizing inter-religious programs at Fr. Agnel HSS. He emphasized that these gatherings help participants recognize their shared humanity and interconnectedness, stating that personal growth is intertwined with the growth of others.
The event featured a series of engaging activities designed to inspire and educate attendees about compassion and solidarity. Scholastic Robinson Pacheco provided a warm welcome to all participants before a hymn titled “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” set a reflective tone for the proceedings.
A significant highlight was the special Act of Solidarity, which included the ceremonial garlanding of the Constitution and lighting a lamp—symbols of unity and peace that resonated deeply with the audience.
The program included insightful talks from notable speakers such as Mr. Vitthal Shelke, Ms. Hani Khan, and Fr. Diogo D’Souza. Each speaker shared valuable perspectives on compassion and harmony within diverse communities. Additionally, students Rashmita Panhalkar and Zubair Shaikh from XI Commerce, along with Sian Fernandes and Tanisha Gaonkar from XII Commerce, presented their reflections on the importance of solidarity among different groups.
A thought-provoking street play directed by Asst. Prof. Vindya Gauns from Fr. Agnel College captivated the audience, effectively conveying the event’s theme through drama and performance. The play served as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion in everyday life.
As the program drew to a close, mementos were presented to speakers and participants as tokens of appreciation for their contributions to promoting peace and understanding. Teacher Pratibha delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to everyone involved in making the event a success before concluding with the National Anthem.
The Sadbhavna program continues to be an essential event at Fr. Agnel HSS, promoting peace, understanding, and religious harmony within the student community and beyond. It serves as a platform for young minds to engage in meaningful dialogue about compassion and solidarity while fostering an inclusive environment where diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously. The success of this year’s event reinforces the school’s commitment to nurturing values that transcend religious boundaries and contribute to societal well-being.