The Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, organized its annual Inter-Religious Prayer meeting, on 2^nd October, at 3:30 pm, in the Seminary auditorium. This inter-faith meet assumes special significance this year, as the Seminary celebrates the 4th centenary of its establishment. The theme chosen for the day’s reflections was: Union with God, Values in Life (Deva Sangatan,Totvam Jivitant)

The Seminary Orchestra prepared the hearts of the participants with a bhajan, based on the Gayatri Mantra. Fr. Donato Rodrigues, the acting-Rector, extended a warm welcome to all those present for the evening’s celebration.

The special invitees for the occasion were Mr. Venktesh Naik Gaonkar, representing the Hindu faith, Mr. Iqbal Mohiddin, representing the Islamic religion, and Mr. Anselm Pereira, representing the Catholics.

Reflecting on the message of the Bhagavad Gita, Mr. Gaonkar, who hails from Ponda and has worked as Asst. Commissioner of Transport, Govt. of Maharashtra, highlighted the need for human concurrence with the divine law. Explaining the all-embracing nature of the Hindu philosophy, he stressed the need for inculcating values like kindness, tenderness, love and humility, which are essential for human well-being.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, Mr. Mohidin, a renowned businessman from Vasco, emphasized on the values of unity and peace which are the need of the hour in our country today. He spoke how the world today gives more importance to materialism than lasting virtues.

Mr. Pereira, from Chinchinim, an employee of the Goa Shipyard, sharing his reflections in the light of the Beatitudes found the Holy Bible, stressed how values enrich our day to day living. He focused on the virtues of forgiveness and love, that are necessary for establishing lasting peace.

The service was well attended by the people of Rachol and the surrounding villages, as well as by students, from different communities and from the nearby Colleges. As a conclusion to the occasion, the audience together pledged to live in peace, love and unity, after which they sang in unison the Indian national anthem. The inter-faith meeting concluded with a fellowship, wherein the participants interacted with one another over a cup of tea and snacks.  

The meeting was compered by Sem. Americo Rodrigues and co-ordinated by Sem. Dylon D’Costa. The Auditorium bore an enchanting atmosphere, with flowers, posters and the typical rangoli.