Media Release
Pilar, Aug 5: Ambassador of Goan Music and Global Fado Artist, Sonia Shirsat, in her keynote address at Yuva Sadbhav 2025 said, “music transcends religious boundaries”. Drawing on her experiences, she highlighted how music offers a common language that speaks directly to the soul and further said, “Beyond doctrinal distinctions, music satiates the human yearning for a deeper connection with the divine." The interactive nature of her address resonated deeply with participants, inspiring them to reflect on their own spiritual and cultural journeys.
Yuva Sadbhav 2025 was organized through a collaborative effort of Sadbhav, Fr Agnel College of Arts and Science, and NGO Uzwaad, and was held on August 2, at the Pilar Pilgrim, dwelling on the theme - “Harmony in devotion: The interplay of music and religion.”
Over eighty students from eight different colleges, belonging to different faith traditions, participated in this programme which brought together youth, artists, and faith leaders to appreciate the music traditions of different religions and foster interreligious dialogue through the universal language of music. The programme was also graced by Dr Fredrick Rodrigues, principal of Fr Agnel College of Arts and Science; and Sendra Pereira, founder and president of NGO Uzwaad.
Yuva Sadbhav 2025 inspired the hearts and minds of students to foster a spirit of dialogue, understanding, and coexistence. Saniya Hosamani, a student of Carmel College, Nuvem said that “The interfaith event moved me deeply. There was such warmth in the room, a sense of unity and curiosity that transcended differences … At times I felt genuinely touched by the shared humanity in the room. Moments like these remind us how much we gain when we listen with open hearts”
At the outset of the programme, Avni Vishnoi, an architect by profession, led the gathering with a brief interfaith prayer. Dr Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav, in his welcome address greeted the youth saying “You our young changemakers, are the soul of this gathering, coming together to foster dialogue and weave a tapestry of understanding through faith and music”.
The highlight of the programme was the five concurrent workshops facilitated by experts in the field of religious music coming from the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian faith traditions. These facilitators included Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, Ahana Gulwadi, Harpreet Singh, Harpal Singh, Maryam Hibah, and Zoya Khan Pathan. The participants were divided into five groups and each facilitator mentored the assigned group on a form of religious music from a specific faith tradition. The participants were guided to dialogue around the theme of music and religion and appreciate the music traditions of different religions. The facilitators also trained group members to learn a specific form of devotional song which was later presented by the group. Reflecting upon the experiences in the workshop, Simon Agnelo Fernandes from Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho Panjim, said, “In the workshop I learnt about the musical diversity present in India and its religions. It was a wonderful experience to witness several voices, several types of beats, uniquely wonderful, each different, yet similar vibes”
As part of the celebration, NGO Uzwaad presented an inspiring street play titled “Annekta Mein Ekta – Yahi Hai Hamare Desh Ki Visheshata.” The play conveyed critical themes such as celebrating religious and linguistic diversity, living in harmony with nature, and raising awareness about the ecological significance of the Mhadei River. The programme also featured musical presentations by Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias and Ahana Gulwadi, who presented a Drupad, a form of Indian classical vocal music.
The event drew to a close with a reflective learning and feedback session facilitated by Sendra Pereira. Fr Joseph Caji Barreto presented the closing remarks, while Janessa D’Mello proposed the vote of thanks. Jisha Ponnachan, a faculty of Fr Agnel College meaningfully compered the programme.
Yuva Sadbhav is an Interfaith project for young people from different faiths and beliefs, coming together to dialogue and promote mutual understanding and respect for building more peaceful and inclusive societies.