Sadbhav Sammelan Concludes with a Renewed Call for Interfaith Peace and Faith in Action

By Malvino Alfonso, OCD | February 09, 2026

The fourth edition of the Society of Pilar’s Sadbhav Sammelan 2026 concluded on February 7 at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Goa, calling for deeper interfaith understanding, shared responsibility, and lived faith in building peace. (Photo: Sankalp Naik and Team)

The Fourth Edition of the Society of Pilar’s Sadbhav Sammelan 2026 concluded at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Goa, in southwest India, on February 7, 2026, with a strong and unified call for interfaith understanding, shared responsibility, and the lived practice of faith in the promotion of peace.

Held over two days from February 6–7, 2026, the Sammelan centred on the theme “Together for Peace: Faith in Action,” addressing the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration in a world increasingly marked by division and conflict.

The Sadbhav Sammelan was jointly organised by Sadbhav, Pilar; Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Commerce, Pilar; and the Nirmala Institute of Education, in collaboration with the Apostolate of Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, the Solidarity Forum of Pilar Seminary, the School of Sanskrit, Philosophy and Indic Studies of Goa University, and the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa. The conference brought together educators, students, faith leaders, scholars, and peace practitioners from diverse backgrounds.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the valedictory session, Fr. Bento Rodrigues, Director of Fr. Agnelo School, Greater Noida, reflected on the relationship between religion and spirituality in the context of peacebuilding. He observed that while religious traditions and practices are shaped by culture and history and expressed in diverse forms, the Divine reality transcends any single mode of worship. Emphasising the familiar insight that “religions divide, but spirituality unites,” he cautioned against the misuse of religious identities that often lead to confusion, division, and conflict.

In his valedictory address, Dr. Russell D’Souza, Principal of the Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, highlighted Faith in Action as a vital pathway to peace. He emphasised that while people across faith traditions pray in different ways—through silence, ritual, or proclamation—their aspirations remain universal: peace, happiness, and a better world.

Held over two days from February 6–7, 2026, the Sammelan centred on the theme “Together for Peace: Faith in Action,” addressing the urgent need for dialogue and collaboration. (Photo: Sankalp Naik and Team)

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Fr. Anthony Silva, SFX, and Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX, Convenor of the Sadbhav Sammelan. Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, students of the Nirmala Institute of Education presented a song reflecting the conference theme, while students of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, performed a dance symbolising harmony and unity.

For Jisha Poonachan, who served as the anchor for the event, the Sammelan stood apart for the quality of its conversations. “What struck me most was how conversations here felt less like formal discussions and more like people carefully placing their truths on a shared table, trusting others to hold them with respect,” she reflected.

Antonet D’Souza highlighted that harmony flourishes when differences are respected and celebrated. “Such seminars strengthen social unity and nurture inclusive values,” she said, adding that they guide young people towards peaceful coexistence while encouraging moral reflection and respect for cultural identity across generations.

Participant and paper presenter Aditya Kapoor described the Sammelan as a profound exercise in self-realisation. “It is only through such platforms that civilisational truths can be expounded,” he said.

The Fourth Edition of the Sadbhav Sammelan concluded on a note of hope and resolve, reaffirming the conviction that when faith is translated into action, peace can become a lived reality. (Photo: Sankalp Naik and Team)

For Sr. Zelita Dias, FSMA, the conference clarified what authentic change truly demands. “True change requires patience, deep listening—to understand rather than to reply—and the willingness to sit with discomfort and our own assumptions,” she observed.

Reflecting on the importance of continuity in dialogue, Sankalp Naik noted that genuine understanding emerges only through sustained engagement. “Repeated dialogue creates a safe space where individuals feel comfortable asking questions and sharing personal experiences,” he said.

Asvin Fernandes experienced the Sammelan as a celebration of unity amid diversity. “The programme beautifully showcased India’s rich diversity and traditions,” he shared.

For Sahil Awasthi, the conference shed light on the root causes of many contemporary conflicts. “Many conflicts arise not from religion itself, but from misunderstanding and lack of communication,” he noted. Echoing this sentiment, Danielle Colaco highlighted the transformative potential of interfaith platforms, especially for the youth. “These conferences help transform faith from a source of division into a powerful force for social harmony,” she said, adding that such gatherings cultivate empathy, shared responsibility, and collective action for a more just and non-violent society.

The Fourth Edition of the Sadbhav Sammelan concluded on a note of hope and resolve, reaffirming the conviction that when faith is translated into action and dialogue replaces division, peace can become a lived reality rather than a distant ideal.