By Elvis Fernandes –
Pilar, Goa: In a stirring address that set the tone for a remarkable interfaith gathering, acclaimed Goan Fado artist and cultural ambassador Sonia Shirsat declared that “music transcends religious boundaries” at Yuva Sadbhav 2025, held at the Pilar Pilgrim on August 2nd. Drawing on her international experiences, Shirsat shared how music serves as a universal language, connecting hearts beyond doctrinal divides. “Beyond doctrinal distinctions, music satiates the human yearning for a deeper connection with the divine,” she emphasized, addressing an audience captivated not only by her words but by her embrace of unity through artistic expression.
Organized by Sadbhav in collaboration with Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Science and the NGO Uzwaad, this year’s Yuva Sadbhav was themed “Harmony in Devotion: The Interplay of Music and Religion.” Over 80 students representing eight colleges and a spectrum of faith traditions assembled for the day-long celebration of culture, spirituality, and dialogue.
The festive atmosphere was enriched by the presence of key dignitaries, including Rev. Dr. Fredrick Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College, and Ms. Sendra Pereira, Uzwaad’s visionary founder. The programme began with an interfaith prayer led by architect Avni Vishnoi, setting an inclusive tone.
In his welcome address, Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, convenor of Sadbhav, greeted the young attendees as “changemakers, the soul of this gathering,” and urged them to weave “a tapestry of understanding through faith and music.” His words resonated as students prepared to immerse themselves in a unique exploration of devotional music’s role in bridging divides.
The event’s highlight was a series of five concurrent workshops, each led by distinguished experts in Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian musical traditions—Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, Ahana Gulwadi, Harpreet Singh, Harpal Singh, Maryam Hibah, and Zoya Khan Pathan. Participants were divided into groups and mentored in devotional songs, while engaging in deep conversations about the shared and distinctive aspects of religious music.
“For me, the interfaith event was deeply moving,” said Saniya Hosamani of Carmel College, Nuvem. “There was such warmth in the room, a sense of unity and curiosity that transcended differences … moments like these remind us how much we gain when we listen with open hearts.” Simon Agnelo Fernandes from Nirmala Institute of Education echoed the sentiment, reflecting on his newfound appreciation for India’s rich musical diversity.
A street play by Uzwaad, titled “Annekta Mein Ekta – Yahi Hai Hamare Desh Ki Visheshata”, powerfully conveyed the importance of religious and linguistic diversity, ecological consciousness, and national harmony. The day further featured live musical performances, including an evocative Drupad rendition by Ms. Ahana Gulwadi.
The event concluded with a reflective learning and feedback session led by Ms. Sendra Pereira, closing remarks by Fr. Joseph Caji Barreto, and an expression of gratitude from Ms. Janessa D’Mello. As faculty member Ms. Jisha Ponnachan guided the ceremony to its finale, it was clear that Yuva Sadbhav had not only showcased music’s role in spiritual connection but also reaffirmed the power of youth-led dialogue in building peaceful, inclusive communities.
Yuva Sadbhav continues to shine as a beacon for interreligious harmony and understanding among Goa’s youth, reaffirming that music—indeed—knows no boundaries.
Fantastic! Undiluted music indeed is one of the best ways to rise above all religious, cultural and even political divides. That’s the reason Music is called Divine.