To mark the 75th Republic Day of India, the Pioneer Readers Club & Socio-Cultural Centre in Sonshi, Honda, Goa, collaborated with Sadbhav, Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar Goa, to organize ‘Sattari-Sadbhavna Dis’ on January 26, 2024, at Sundaram Hall in Honda, Sattari, Goa.
This event, known as Sattari-Sabhavna Dis, aimed to foster unity among people of different faiths and walks of life, encouraging conversations, reflection, and a commitment to preserving the spirit of unity in diversity, promoting peace, harmony, and solidarity.
The overarching theme for the celebration was ‘Diversity & Harmony.’ Three women speakers representing different faith communities shared their perspectives: Prof. Shirin S. Sheikh discussed ‘Respecting Religious Diversity,’ Smt. Naman Sawant Dhawaskar spoke on ‘Education for Peace and Harmony,’ and Smt. Guadalupe Dias addressed ‘Preserving Social and Communal Harmony in Goa.’
As a symbolic gesture of fellowship and solidarity, dignitaries and speakers watered a plant placed in the hall at the beginning of the program. Rev. Fr. Dominic Alvares, the Director of Pioneer Readers Club & Socio-Cultural Centre, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the Society of Pilar’s positive engagement with the people of Sattari, especially in Sonshi.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav, emphasized the importance of preserving India’s golden heritage and upholding the values enshrined in the constitution.
Shri Rajendra Kerkar, a well-known author and environmentalist, served as the Chief Guest and praised Goa’s numerous inspiring examples of communal harmony.
He commended the Society of Pilar for actively promoting communal amity. Rev. Fr. Joseph Fernandes, the Central Delegate Superior of the Society of Pilar, expressed the responsibility of living in harmony and peace as children of God.
Other dignitaries present included Rev. Fr. Mateus Fernandes, the Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, Society of Pilar; Shri Prakash Gawas, a social worker and businessman; and Shri Shivdas Madkar, the Sarpanch of Honda Panchayat.
The event featured various performances, including a devotional dance, a street play titled ‘Shanti Mogi Somudai Amkam Zai,’ a Qawwali, a patriotic dance, and a group song titled ‘Let there be Love, Joy, and Hope.’ The diverse program reflected the unity in diversity celebrated during the event.
The celebration witnessed a significant turnout of people from different faiths in Sonshi, Honda, Valpoi, Bhirondem, and Sanquelim.
Fr. George Nandiyala, the program coordinator, delivered the Vote of Thanks, while the event was skillfully compered by Smt. Aishwarya Chari, a popular host from Poreiem, Sattari.
