Media Release
Sattari, Jan 31: On the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India, Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre, Sonshi, Honda, Goa in collaboration with Sadbhav, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa, organised ‘Sattari-Sadbhavna Dis’ on January 26 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 and 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,’ Naman Sawant Dhawaskar, writer and social activist from Valpoi spoke on ‘Education for peace and harmony’ and Guadalupe Dias, well-known poet and writer from Majorda spoke on ‘Preserving social and communal harmony in Goa’.
Fr Mateus Fernandes, provincial superior, Goa Province, presenting a memento to Rajendra Kerkar
Rajendra Kerkar, chief guest, presenting a memento to Prof Shirin S Sheik
Rajendra Kerkar, chief guest, presenting a memento to Naman Sawant Dhawaskar, one of the speakers
Guadalupe Dias, one of the speakers seen watering the plant as a sign of fellowship and solidarity
Rajendra Kerkar, chief guest, presenting a memento to Guadalupe Dias, one of the speakers
Devotional dance by the students of Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre, Sonshi, Honda
Street Play titled, ‘Shanti Mogi Somudai Amkam Zai’ written by Dr Tanvi Kamat Bambolkar, directed by Tanmay Naik was performed by Shiv Chidambar Sanskrutik Kala Mandal, Digne, Kudne, Sanquelim, Goa
Qawwali based on the theme of humanity written by Fr George Nandiyala, music by Pratamesh Naike was sung by members of the Pioneer Readers Club and Socio-Cultural Centre
Fr Joseph Fernandes, the central delegate superior of the Society of Pilar, presenting a memento to the participant
Group photo with the dignitaries, speakers and organisers
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 Fr Dominic Alvares, the director of Pioneer Readers Club and 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 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, “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, Rajendra Kerkar, a well-known author and environmentalist said, “We can find numerous and inspiring examples of communal harmony in Goa.” He also mentioned, 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, Fr Joseph Fernandes, the central delegate superior of the Society of Pilar, said, “God has gathered us, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, together to celebrate our identity of being created in God’s image and likeness.” He further said, “All of us have the responsibility to live in harmony and peace as children of God.”
The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Fr Mateus Fernandes, the provincial superior of the Goa Province, Society of Pilar, Prakash Gawas, social worker and business and Shivdas Madkar, 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 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 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 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 Aishwarya Chari, a popular host from Poreiem, Sattari.