Sadbhavana
diwas, a day of goodwill over others is celebrated all over India on the 20th of August every year to
commemorate the birth anniversary of the late former Prime minister, Rajiv
Gandhi. It was initiated to encourage national integration, peace, love,
affection and communal harmony amongst Indians of all religions.
On August 20, the
AICUF and Youth Cell in association with the NSS unit of St. Xavier’s College,
Mapusa – Goa organized an hour long programme to commemorate this event. The
theme chosen for this year was “Deeds not words”. The programme began at 12
p.m. with the compere Miss Lynessa Linson formally welcoming everyone, and the
Holy books entering the hall in a solemn procession was a sight to watch. This
was followed by the Principal Rev Dr. (Fr.) Jeronimo D’Silva’s welcome address
to the gathering. He gave the students thought provoking insights on various
aspects of the meaning of this day.
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Further on the
gathering witnessed scripture readings of the holy books of different religions
interspersed with meditational hymns sung by the choir. Miss Parveen Mughal
read the Holy Koran, Miss Anushka D’Souza read the Holy Bible and Miss Diya
Chhabhaiya read the Shirmad Bhagwat Gita. Each scripture reading echoed the
theme and the readers beautifully explained the thoughts behind the verses.
The Chief Guest, Rev.
Fr. Caetano Fernandes, Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, Porvorim was then
introduced to the gathering and welcomed with a plotted plant presented by
Joshua Fernandes. The Chief Guest then addressed the gathering and his speech
was an inspired one, rich with his experiences in interfaith dialogue.
A
short cultural session then followed, with the song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon
sung by members of the AICUF and Youth Cell which was followed by a Dance on
National integration by the volunteers of the NSS unit. A skit by the students
belonging to the Centre for Performing Arts also highlighted the need for peace
and goodwill amongst all religions. The solemn Sadbhavana diwas pledge then
followed and was led by Miss Elya Fernandes. Ms. Ruella D’Souza, Convenor of
the AICUF and Youth Cell proposed the vote of thanks and the programme
concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
