Media Release
Pilar, Sep 15: Pilar Theological Institute and Good Shepherd Institute of theology, Rachol, Goa organised an inter-seminary theological symposium on the theme ‘Committed to one’s Faith, Collaboration with other Faiths’ on September 13, at Seminary Auditorium, Pilar Goa.
Adv Devender Saini, former additional advocate general, Haryana, Dr Muniza Rafiq Khan, registrar, Gandhian Institute of Studies, Varanasi and Dr Fr Rajkumar Joseph SJ, principal and professor at Vidyajyoti College, New Delhi presented papers on the symposium's theme.
It was organised to foster a deeper understanding of Inter-religious dialogue and respectful collaboration, especially within the rich and diverse religious landscape of our country.
Presenting on the Hindu perspective, Adv Devender Saini, Supreme Court lawyer, recalled the Supreme Court’s recognition of Hinduism as a ‘way of life.’ He stressed the need for inter-religious harmony, highlighting that all major faiths value honesty, kindness, and compassion. To foster unity, he proposed celebrating each other’s festivals, promoting shared values, and collaborating in education, environmental protection, and disaster relief. “Hinduism’s true strength lies in its ability to assimilate diverse traditions and uphold unity in diversity—a message vital in today’s fractured world,” he concluded.
Dr Muniza R Khan, registrar of the Gandhian Institute of Studies, Varanasi, presented on the Islamic perspective, stressing that Islam in the Indian context calls for steadfast faith and respectful cooperation with other religions. She clarified that portrayals of Islam as intolerant stem from selective incidents, not from the Qur’an or Hadith, which uphold religious freedom ‘there is no compulsion in religion’ (2:256)—and command kindness and justice toward all. Highlighting Islam’s vision of interfaith dialogue rooted in respect, equality, and shared humanity, she pointed to initiatives like Iftar gatherings, Eid Milan, and joint celebrations as concrete steps fostering peace and harmony in pluralistic societies.
Presenting the Christian perspective, Dr Fr Rajkumar Joseph SJ, principal and professor at Vidyajyoti, New Delhi, said authentic dialogue begins with being firmly rooted in one’s faith ‘faith should be firm, but not rigid; dialogue respectful, not compromising.’ He noted that Christianity is essentially an encounter with Christ, giving believers confidence without insecurity or superiority. Stressing that all religions promote fraternity and inclusivity, he called for balancing conviction in one’s faith with humility to recognize truth in other traditions. Citing Vatican II, he affirmed Christ as the fullness of revelation while acknowledging holiness in other religions. He outlined five forms of dialogue life, action, theological exchange, religious experience, and conflict resolution and urged building a ‘culture of encounter’ where differences enrich rather than divide.
Participants sought clarifications and offered interventions following each presentation.
Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx, convenor of the Symposium and faculty at Pilar Theological Institute, introducing the theme said mature faith is rooted in its content yet open to adaptive expression, enabling authentic living and meaningful dialogue with the world.
Symposium began with lighting of the traditional lamp by Fr Donato Rodrigues rector, Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, Fr Norman Almeida Sfx, rector of Pilar Seminary, Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx, speakers of the day and other dignitaries followed by small prayer service, where in sisters from Mater Dei, Old Goa, scholastics of Pilar Seminary, students from presentation School, Margao, Madrasa, Verna and a Hindu couple from Vasco participated.
Post lunch Panel discussion was moderated by Fr Ivan D Almeida Sfx.
Morning sessions were moderated by Dr Fr Agnelo Pinheiro of the Good Shepherd Institute of Theology, Rachol and convenor of Apostolate for Interreligious dialogue in the archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Scholastic Ryan Mascarenhas Sfx and scholastic Newton Kingsley Sfx presented on the themes 'Understanding Hinduism: A personal journey' and 'My views on Islam' respectively.
Fr Norman Almeida Sfx, rector of the Pilar Theological Institute welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. Mementos were presented to the speakers and the moderators at the hands of Fr Anthony Joseph Fernandes Sfx Central Delegate Superior. Scholastic Robinson Pacheco Sfx anchored the event. Scholastic Aston Carvalho Sfx thanked all. The symposium concluded with singing the national anthem.