By Elvis Fernandes,
Pilar, Nov 17, 2025: Compassion is the core value in all religions and their followers should discover it in their lives to build bridges in a divided world.
This was the outcome of a “Samvad,” (theological dialogue) organized at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Goa.
Organized by the Society of Pilar, a Catholic religious congregation for men originated in Goa, the program commemorated the 98th death anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza (1869-1927). The Goa unit of the Conference of Religious India and the Solidarity Forum of Pilar Society collaborated in holding the program on “Compassion Across Faiths: Building Bridges in a Divided World.”
Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, seeks to promote interreligious dialogue, harmony, and solidarity.
The program explored how compassion is understood and practised across different faiths, highlighting common values and encouraging participants to incorporate compassion into their personal and community lives.
Akila Sadik Bepari, a clinical psychologist and Alternative Medicine Therapist , who presented the Islamic perspective, explained that compassion is central to her faith, rooted in God’s merciful nature. She noted that compassion extends to self, family, society, the poor, animals, and the environment, making it a universal duty.
Bepari highlighted the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum” as a prayer of peace and quoted Prophet Muhammad: “The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who are merciful. Be merciful to those on earth.”
Mahesh Pednekar Pednekar, Dhamachari Prajnacakshu, discussed the Buddhist concept of karuṇā, defining it as an active response to suffering with the intention to alleviate it. He emphasized that true compassion is practical, transformative, and rooted in wisdom, encompassing care for both those who suffer and those who cause suffering.
Joan Rebello, retired professor of English at Shree Damodar College, Margao; highlighted compassion as a core value across religions, urging participants to enter into others’ pain with a desire to heal. She cited Christian teachings on Agape, the Good Samaritan, and the ethic “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
Satish Gawde, assistant professor in Sanskrit, spoke on Hinduism’s spiritual vision, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — stressing that helping all, regardless of faith, fosters moral living and societal change.
Smriti Bhambra, corporate manager, Learning and Development, shared the Sikh perspective, highlighting how Naam Japna, Kirt Karni, and VandChhakna reflect a life rooted in compassion, quoting Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Let compassion be your cotton, contentment your thread, modesty your knot, and truth your twist.”
Andre Rafael Fernandes, who moderated the discussion, stressed personal responsibility in promoting interfaith dialogue.
Capuchin Father Gabriel Fernandes, president of CRI (Goa Unit), congratulated the organizers, emphasizing that love is the foundation of compassion.
The program began with the ceremonial watering of a plant by representatives of different faiths.