Media Release

Sanguem, Oct 5: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, at an annual interreligious get together organised by ‘Solidarity Forum’ and ‘Sadbhav’ of the Society of Pilar, held in Sanguem, His Holiness Dattapuri Dattasamarth Maharaj (Naga Sadhu from Sanguem, associated with the Juna Akhada), one of the speakers, said that Sanguem is a land of peace and harmony.

He further exhorted the people of Sanguem to preserve the communal harmony and fight all divisive forces that emerge in the name of religion. Maulana Mohammed Mugees Siddiqui (Imam of Jama Masjid, Sanguem), said that our first duty is to ‘love our country’ at all cost. He further said that every citizen has to respond to hatred with peace.

He encouraged everyone not to be misled by negative influences and called for greater brotherhood, mutual support and understanding. Fr Mateus Fernandes, (Former provincial, Goa Province, Society of Pilar) said, “We all are children of God, and that God’s goodness extends to all people."

The celebration began with a devotional dance led by the Miracles Parish Youth followed by the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The students of Miracles High school sang ‘Heal the world’ by Michael Jackson. Fr Baltazar Fernandes (Assistant parish priest) welcomed the gathering while Fr Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Solidary Forum, spoke on the purpose of this interreligious get together. He called the people of Sanguem to walk the path of peace, harmony and ahimsa spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi.

After the inspiring talks, the seminarians of the Pilar Seminary presented a street play titled ‘Nafrat Viral mat karo, Shanti ko Viral karo’. The skit highlighted the influence of social media in our daily lives and showed how fake news, rumours and unverified information can create misunderstanding and hatred. It also emphasised the importance of truth, responsible communication and respect for others. The programme brought together religious leaders and members of the community to promote peace, harmony, mutual understanding and fraternity among people of different faiths.

The programme concluded with the vwship tea. The entire programme was beautifully compered by Rupali Gaonkar The celebration was more than a commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti; it was an opportunity to reflect on the values of truth, non-violence, love, unity, forgiveness and service.