- 10 August, 2026
GOA, August 10, 2026: More than 90 college students from diverse religious backgrounds came together at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre on August 7 to examine how faith is shaped by the digital age and to promote dialogue across religious and cultural differences.
The gathering, Yuva Sadbhav 2026, brought students from eight colleges and one university together under the theme, “When Faith Goes Viral: Youth and Faith in the Digital Age.” The initiative sought to equip young people to confront misinformation, prejudice and stereotypes while encouraging empathy, trust and peaceful engagement across faith communities.
Fr. Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav, said the programme was intended to provide young people with a space to engage openly with people of different beliefs.
“Yuva Sadbhav is not another competitive event; rather, it is an endeavour to bring young people from different faiths and beliefs together to dialogue and promote mutual understanding and respect,” he said.
Prof. Annie Rajan, Principal of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, addressed the participants at the gathering.
A major component of the programme was a session on conflict resolution, led by Gayathri Rao, counsellor and member of the Goa Mediation and Reconciliation Centre. Participants explored how stereotypes, misinformation, prejudice and digital communication can fuel tensions, while learning practical approaches based on active listening, empathy and peaceful conflict resolution.
“Listening and empathy are the key to peace and harmony. We need dialogue to resolve our conflicts,” said Sahil Awasthi of Fr. Agnel College.
The programme also used interactive methods to encourage participants to articulate and examine their own perspectives on faith. In the “Four Corners” activity, facilitated by Jisha Ponnachan, Assistant Professor at Fr. Agnel College, participants responded to statements on faith by choosing one of four positions and then discussing the reasons behind their choices.
An anonymous question box titled “Ask Without Fear”, facilitated by Sadbhav member Asim Shaikh, gave participants an opportunity to raise questions about religion, spirituality, misconceptions and interfaith relationships without fear of judgement.
Marisa Mabel Rodrigues of Nirmala Institute of Education said the programme enabled participants from different backgrounds to discuss subjects that are often considered taboo.
“It was nice to see people from different places, different colleges, and different backgrounds share their honest thoughts and opinions,” she said, describing the experience as one that left her “a more whole me.”
Mohammad Shahil Fardhan of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, said the programme helped him understand how “kindness and understanding can solve many problems.”
The gathering also included a cultural and contemplative dimension through a Rudra Veena recital by young Dhrupad musician Mrunali Desai. Accompanied on the Jori by Kaushal Joshi, Desai performed Raag Bhimpalasi, providing participants with a period of reflection following the day’s discussions.
A disciple of Vidushi Jyoti Hegde, an exponent of the Rudra Veena tradition, Desai brought the programme from dialogue to contemplation through the classical recital.
Janessa D’Mello, speaking at the valedictory session, acknowledged the contributions of partners, volunteers, facilitators, performers and participants.
Yuva Sadbhav 2026 was organised by Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar.
By Fr. Elvis Fernandes, SFX
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
