Team Goemkarponn
RACHOL: The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol marked Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 with its annual Inter-Religious Meeting, held under the theme “Messengers of Hope, Witnesses of Unity.” The gathering brought together people from diverse faiths in a bid to strengthen peace, understanding and communal harmony.
The programme opened with a group discussion, moderated by Dr. Rachna Kolambkar, Dr. Pronoy Baidya, Mrs. Kabir Shaikh and Mr. Kallis Rodrigues, which encouraged participants to reflect on how to face societal challenges and foster peace.
In his welcome address, Rector of Rachol Seminary Rev. Dr. Donato Rodrigues extended festive greetings on the occasion of Dussehra, while underlining the urgent need for dialogue and mutual respect in building a peaceful society.
A symbolic Unity Act followed, with the Rector and representatives of Islam, Hinduism and Christianity — Ms. Haneen Khan, Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati and Dr. Anthony de Sa — joining hands to plant a sapling, symbolising growth through unity.
Speaking for the Islamic community, Ms. Khan, Headmistress of Crescent School, Fatorda, said every heart longs for peace, mercy and hope, stressing that small acts of love and kindness can help societies overcome injustice and hatred.
Swamini Gopikananda Saraswati of Chinmaya Mission, Margao, highlighted that when values decline, humanity must rise together to combat negativity and foster true peace.
Dr. Anthony de Sa, IAS (Retd.), representing the Catholic community, said that “unity is not uniformity but embracing diversity,” stressing the need to transcend boundaries of caste, creed and colour to become peacemakers.
The event also featured cultural performances by the parish youth of Sao Jose de Areal, Velim and Rachol seminarians, challenging the audience to become vibrant messengers of hope and unity.
Participants later took a solemn pledge reaffirming their commitment to peace, before the programme concluded with a vote of thanks, the national anthem, and coordination by seminarians Brendon D’Costa and Ryan Mascarenhas.
