- 26 September, 2025
Agassaim, Goa, Sept. 26, 2025: The annual Sadbhav Mahotsav 2025 was held on September 20 at the St. Lawrence High School Hall in Agassaim, Goa, bringing together students from various educational institutions, farmers, and villagers from seven panchayats. Organised by Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, and hosted by the Village Panchayat of São Lourenço, Agassaim, the event aimed to promote interfaith harmony, sustainability, and agricultural unity through discussions, cultural performances, and group activities under the theme “Sowing Harmony – Faiths United Through Farming”.
The highlight of the celebration was an interfaith panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Nevile Alphonso, former Director of Agriculture, Government of Goa. Panellists Santosh Dessai (Hindu faith), Maaz Sheikh (Muslim faith), and Cleto Fernandes (Christian faith) shared their perspectives on how faith supports farmers in overcoming challenges, encourages environmental stewardship, and fosters community sharing. The discussion concluded with an open dialogue with the audience.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Shreyas Jadhav, Assistant Professor at Goa College of Agriculture, conducted an interactive session with over 100 high school students from six schools on the challenges faced by farmers. He encouraged them to seek innovative solutions to these challenges, explore careers in agricultural sciences, and remain rooted in their communities by supporting the farmers around them. Later, these students participated in an experiential nature walk facilitated by Ms. Tallulah D’Silva, Ms. Ahana, and their team, exploring the landscape of Agassaim. They collected seeds, weeds, and leaves to create mandala art and shared their learnings through group presentations, reflecting on the significance of farming and ecological balance.
In the afternoon, farmers, villagers, and students from Fr. Agnel HSS Pilar, Vassant Kukalekar HSS, Old Goa, Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, and Goa Agriculture College, Old Goa, indulged in a community lunch prepared by the villagers of the seven village panchayats. Following this, a series of cultural performances was held. Seminarians from Pilar Seminary presented a skit titled Different Paths, One Goal: Peace and Harmony. Two students from Fr. Agnel HSS presented monologues on the theme of fishing and farming, while students from Fr. Agnel College performed folk dances. Two elderly farmers from each panchayat were honoured for their lifelong contributions to agriculture.
Dr. Shreyas Jadhav praised the initiative, stating, “The programme successfully blended education, community building, and cultural expression to promote a vital message of religious harmony in a very practical and inspiring way.” Santano Rodrigues, Chairman of the Curtorim Biodiversity Management Committee, lauded the festival as “a truly enriching experience, fostering harmony and unity among diverse communities.”
The Sadbhav Mahotsav 2025 was organised in collaboration with Fr. Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar; Tambdi Mati Foundation; Goa College of Agriculture; Directorate of Agriculture (Government of Goa); Zonal Agriculture Office (Tiswadi); and the Village Panchayats of Agassaim, Azossim-Mandur, Batim, Curca-Bambolim-Talaulim, Goa Velha, Neura, and Siridao-Palem, marking a vibrant celebration of faith, farming, and fraternity.
By Fr. Elvis Fernandes sfx
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