PANAJI
Sadbhav, an endeavour of the Society of Pilar for fostering Interreligious Solidarity recently organised a seminar for the students of D.El.Ed. at the Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho-Panaji.
The main theme was on promoting religious literacy in education as a contribution to peace building. The event brought together a diverse group of speakers and participants, each sharing unique perspectives on how religious literacy can promote understanding, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across communities.
Dr Fr Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav, opened the session by emphasising the importance of religious literacy in a world often divided by faith-based conflicts.
He highlighted that having knowledge and understanding the teachings, values, and practices of different religions is key to overcoming stereotypes, fostering respect, and promoting peace.
One of the key speakers, Dr Fr Bonnie Mendes, a Goa-born Pakistani priest, shared his personal and professional experiences in fostering communal harmony.
Drawing from his years of living and working in a multireligious environment, Fr Mendes spoke about the challenges of interfaith interactions but stressed the transformative potential of empathy and dialogue.
Tallulah D'Silva, an architect and environmentalist along with Vivek Rawley, conducted a thought-provoking nature walk that illustrated the concept of living in harmony. She drew parallels between the interdependence of all living beings in nature and the interconnectedness of human communities.
The event also featured a portrayal of the Mahabharata by Vansh Naik. Through his storytelling, he presented the epic’s profound lessons on duty, conflict resolution, and the ethical importance of dialogue.
Asim Shaikh, another speaker, provided a deep insight into the Five Pillars of Islam. He explained that the core tenets of Islam—faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage—are not only spiritual practices but also frameworks for promoting social responsibility, empathy, and peace.
In addition to the expert speakers, the event also featured personal testimonials from students who shared their experiences of having friendships with people of different faiths. They spoke movingly about how their relationships, built on mutual respect and understanding, had not only enriched their personal lives but also helped bridge the gap between religious differences.
