MARGAO: On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol held its annual Inter-Religious Meeting on October 2 on the theme Caring Creation – Human Obligation.
The day began with participants engaging themselves in a stimulating discussion on how people of different faiths can come together as one family to safeguard our planet.
The Rector, Rev Dr Donato Rodrigues accorded a cordial welcome to everyone. People of different faiths were then invited to take part in a “Unity Act”, wherein they dusted off a terrarium so that the beautiful depiction of creation inside could be clearly visible.
Altaf Shah, representing the Islamic faith, said that the beautiful design that we see in creation is not a coincidence but rather a purposeful and complex act ofthe Creator.
He emphasised that all religions speak the same message of having the sacred obligation of caring for creation and avoiding its destruction.
Sandesh Prabhudesai, representing the Hindu community, recalled the unity act and said, “We need to wipe out the dust that covers our minds so that we realize the Vedic wisdom, which speaks of ‘Vasudhaiva Kuttumbakam’ – the entire nature is one big family. Creation does not discriminate among humans while dispensing its resources.”
The representative of the Catholic community, Valucio Rodrigues, drew inspiration from the Holy Bible and highlighted that humans are called by God to be responsible and caring stewards of creation.
