The Sadbhav Sammelan (interfaith conference) was organized by Sadbhav, Pilar, Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar, and the Department of Philosophy, DCT’s Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, Goa, western India, on February 8.
The event provided a powerful platform for critical discussions on “Hate Speech: A Divisive Rhetoric and Threat to Interfaith Harmony.”
The conference brought together intellectuals, activists, and concerned citizens to deliberate on the urgent need for peace, respect, and inclusivity.
The Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Pilar, Goa, hosted the conference coinciding with the World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7) organized by the United Nations.
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including chief guest Arvind Bhatikar IAS (Retd.), Father Dr. Frederico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College, Dr. Swati Pawar, Vice Principal of Dhempe College, alongside distinguished speakers Father Lawrence Fernandes, Dr. Roshida Rodrigues, and Sandesh Prabhudesai.
The conference began with an invocation prayer led by Ms. Janessa D’Mello and a Shanti (peace) Mantra in Sanskrit chanted by Dr. Fr. Elvis Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav Sammelan, setting a reflective tone for the discussions.
Father Fernandes emphasized the importance of respecting all faiths and avoiding divisive rhetoric, while Father Joaquim Rebello, the Provincial Superior of the Goa Province of the Pilar Fathers (also known as the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier), reinforced the universal principle of "Love your neighbor as yourself," warning against indifference to others’ suffering.
Bhatikar provided key insights into the legal provisions of the Indian Penal Code regarding hate speech, urging both intellectual reflection and practical action to counter this growing threat.
Keynote speaker Prabhudesai presented an insightful perspective on Goa’s legacy of communal harmony, highlighting the absence of a direct word for "hate" in Konkani—symbolizing the region’s deep-rooted unity.
He reminded attendees that Goa’s diversity is its strength and called for the integration of all religions under the true essence of secularism and Manispann (Humanity).
The interactive session on the "Weaponization of Social Media," led by Praveen Sabnis, explored the dangers of digital platforms being used to spread hatred.
He urged participants to verify facts, assess fairness, and consider the impact before sharing any content, advocating for responsible media use to foster unity.
In the concluding session, Tallulah D’Silva and Asim Shaikh engaged participants in developing practical strategies to combat hate-driven narratives.
The discussions were further enriched by a musical performance by Saree Seekers and a skit by Uzwaad NGO members and Dhempe College students, creatively raising awareness about the issue.
The conference concluded with remarks from Father Milton Rodrigues and Ms. Sendra Florence Pereira, who reiterated the collective responsibility of fostering communal harmony.
Ms. Irene George, program coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.
Sadbhav Sammelan served as a vital reminder that promoting peace, conscious speech, and mindful actions is not just an ideal but an ongoing commitment, said Fernandes, the convenor of Sadbhav Sammelan.
The first edition of the conference 2023 was international; the second edition (2024) was national.
“This year, the event took place over a single day. Next year we have an international one,” said Fernandes.
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