- 07 August, 2025
Goa, August 7, 2025: Renowned Goan singer and global Fado artist, Sonia Shirsat, captivated hearts with her keynote address at Yuva Sadbhav 2025, declaring that “music transcends religious boundaries.” Drawing from personal experiences, she spoke about how music serves as a universal language that speaks directly to the soul. “Beyond doctrinal distinctions,” she added, “music satiates the human yearning for a deeper connection with the divine.” Her engaging address struck a chord with the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own spiritual and cultural journeys.
Held on August 2, 2025, Yuva Sadbhav 2025 was a collaborative initiative by Sadbhav, Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Science, and the NGO Uzwaad. The event focused on the theme “Harmony in Devotion: The Interplay of Music and Religion”, bringing together youth, artists, and faith leaders to explore the rich musical traditions across various religions and foster interreligious dialogue.
Over eighty students from eight different colleges representing diverse faith traditions participated in the programme. Their involvement reflected a strong commitment to building bridges across religions through the shared language of music. The event was graced by Rev. Dr. Fredrick Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College, and Ms. Sendra Pereira, Founder and President of NGO Uzwaad.
Framing the day’s purpose, Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, convenor of Sadbhav, welcomed the students, saying, “You, our young changemakers, are the soul of this gathering, coming together to foster dialogue and weave a tapestry of understanding through faith and music.” The programme began with an interfaith prayer led by Avni Vishnoi, an architect by profession.
A highlight of the event was five concurrent workshops on religious music facilitated by experts from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian faith traditions. The facilitators—Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, Ahana Gulwadi, Harpreet Singh, Harpal Singh, Maryam Hibah, and Zoya Khan Pathan—mentored groups of students in appreciating, learning, and performing a specific devotional music style. The participants were also encouraged to engage in dialogue on the intersection of faith and music.
Reflecting on the experience, Simon Agnelo Fernandes from Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho Panjim, said, “In the workshop I learnt about the musical diversity present in India and its religions. It was a wonderful experience to witness several voices, several types of beats, uniquely wonderful, each different, yet similar vibes.”
Adding to the vibrant celebration, NGO Uzwaad staged a street play titled “Annekta Mein Ekta – Yahi Hai Hamare Desh Ki Visheshata” (Unity in Diversity – The Speciality of Our Nation). The play emphasised themes such as religious and linguistic diversity, ecological awareness, and the cultural importance of the Mhadei River. Musical performances by Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, and Ms. Ahana Gulwadi—who presented Drupad, an Indian classical vocal form—further enriched the event.
A reflective session was facilitated by Ms. Sendra Pereira, followed by closing remarks from Fr. Joseph Caji Barreto and a vote of thanks by Ms. Janessa D’Mello. Ms. Jisha Ponnachan, a faculty member at Fr. Agnel College, anchored the event as compère.
Yuva Sadbhav is an interfaith initiative that brings together young people of diverse beliefs to promote mutual respect, understanding, and the building of peaceful, inclusive societies. The 2025 edition left a lasting impression on the participants, reinforcing the transformative power of music in uniting hearts and bridging faiths.
By Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes
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