Media Release
Pilar, Feb 1: The tranquil village of Agonda came alive with the spirit of peace as the Agonda Sadbhavna Manch, in collaboration with Sadbhav and Solidarity Forum of the Society of Pilar, celebrated the World Day of Peace and Non-Violence on January 30. This event aimed to instil the values of peace and non-violence through thought-provoking reflections, cultural performances, and a strong sense of community fellowship.
The programme commenced with dignitaries lighting a ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the illumination of peace and understanding. This was followed by a mesmerizing devotional dance performed by the students of St Anne’s Institute, captivating all those in attendance.
The theme for the event, ‘Unity in Diversity: Building Peace through Empathy and Dialogue,’ resonated deeply throughout the programme. Fr Patrick Luis, convenor of the Agonda Sadbhavna Manch, warmly welcomed the distinguished attendees, stating, “In a world often divided by differences, today we gather to celebrate our shared humanity and our commitment to peace.”
The keynote address was delivered by Guadalupe Dias, a renowned poet and author, who spoke passionately about the importance of peace in today’s society. She emphasized, “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice and understanding,” urging the audience to actively participate in building a more harmonious world.
The chief guest, Chandralekha D Mestri, an educator and botanist, further highlighted the significance of fostering peace and harmony within the community. "Our local communities are the foundation of a peaceful society. When we work together, we can create an environment where every individual feels valued and respected," she stated.
Attendees were then treated to an inspiring rendition of the Hindi song “Yeh pyaar ki lehrem” by the students of the Pilar Music School, inviting reflection on love and unity. In addition, seminarians from the Pilar Seminary presented an impactful Hindi skit that conveyed a powerful message about unity and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, transcending religious differences.
In a poignant moment, everyone gathered to make a pledge for peace and communal harmony on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The attendees solemnly vowed to uphold the values of peace and non-violence that he championed.
At the outset, Fr Elvis Fernandes, Convenor of Sadbhav and the Solidarity Forum, acknowledged the enthusiasm of the people of Agonda in organizing this interreligious programme for peacebuilding and solidarity. He remarked, “Programmes like these help us understand our common humanity and foster our oneness.”
The event was well-organized under the energetic leadership of Fr Patrick Luis and Fr Baltazar Fernandes, alongside the collective efforts and support of teachers and parishioners.