Sadbhav, Goa, Hosts Panel Discussion on “Compassion Across Faiths”

Goa, 16 November 2025: Sadbhav of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with the Conference of Religious India (Goa Unit) and the Solidarity Forum of Pilar Seminary, organised Samvad, a theological dialogue on “Compassion Across Faiths: Building Bridges in a Divided World” at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, to mark the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza.

Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, aims to promote interreligious dialogue, harmony, and solidarity. The programme examined how compassion is understood and practised across various faiths, bringing forward shared values and encouraging participants to embed compassion in their personal and community lives.

The panel featured Akila Sadik Bepari, Clinical Psychologist and Alternative Medicine Therapist; Dr. Mahesh Pednekar; Dhamachari Prajnacakshu; Prof. Joan Rebello, Retired Professor of English at Shree Damodar College, Margao; Satish Gawde, Assistant Professor in Sanskrit at Swami Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya, Kundaim; and Smriti Bhambra, Corporate Manager, Learning and Development.

Ms. Bepari presented the Islamic view, noting that compassion lies at the heart of Islam and is rooted in God’s merciful nature. She emphasised that compassion extends to oneself, family, society, the poor, animals, and the environment, making it a universal obligation. She highlighted the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum” as a prayer of peace and quoted Prophet Muhammad: “The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who are merciful. Be merciful to those on earth.”

Dr. Pednekar outlined the Buddhist principle of karuṇā, describing it as an active response to suffering with the intention to ease it. He stressed that genuine compassion is practical, transformative, and grounded in wisdom, extending care to both those who suffer and those who cause suffering.

Prof. Rebello underscored compassion as a fundamental value across religions, urging participants to engage with others’ pain with a desire to heal. She referred to Christian teachings on Agape, the Good Samaritan, and the ethic: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Satish Gawde discussed Hinduism’s spiritual vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — emphasising that helping all, irrespective of faith, contributes to moral living and societal transformation.

Smriti Bhambra offered the Sikh perspective, explaining how Naam Japna, Kirt Karni, and Vand Chhakna embody a life rooted in compassion. She quoted Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Let compassion be your cotton, contentment your thread, modesty your knot, and truth your twist.”

Dr. Andre Rafael Fernandes moderated the discussion, stressing individual responsibility in fostering interfaith dialogue. Fr. Gabriel Fernandes OFM (Cap), President of CRI (Goa Unit), commended the organisers and affirmed that love forms the basis of compassion.

The programme opened with the ceremonial watering of a plant by representatives of diverse faiths and concluded with the Sadbhav Anthem. Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX welcomed the gathering, Irene George delivered the vote of thanks, and Janessa D’Melo anchored the event.

Sadbhav, Goa, Hosts Panel Discussion on “Compassion Across Faiths”

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