By Matters India Reporter
Pilar, August 10, 2026: A contemplative Rudra Veena recital by young musician Mrunali Desai highlighted Yuva Sadbhav 2026, a youth interfaith gathering at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre in Goa, western India.
Desai, a disciple of Vidushi Jyoti Hegde of the Khandarbani tradition, explored Raag Bhimpalasi in the ancient Indian style of Dhrupad, one of India’s oldest classical music styles.
Accompanied on the Jori by Kaushal Joshi, she offered participants a meditative transition from dialogue to reflection.
Earlier on August 7, more than 90 students from eight colleges and one university registered for the annual program, themed “When Faith Goes Viral: Youth and Faith in the Digital Age.” The event promoted friendship, trust, and harmony across diverse faiths.
Counsellor Gayathri Rao of the Goa Mediation and Reconciliation Centre led a session on conflict resolution, addressing stereotypes, misinformation, and prejudice in digital communication.
“Listening and empathy are the key to peace and harmony,” said Sahil Awasthi of Fr. Agnel College.
Assistant Professor Jisha Ponnachan facilitated a creative “Four Corners” activity, encouraging students to express perspectives on faith. Later, Sadbhav member Asim Shaikh hosted “Ask Without Fear,” an anonymous question box on religion and spirituality.
“It was nice to see people from different backgrounds share honest thoughts,” said Marisa Mabel Rodrigues of Nirmala Institute of Education. “I would be a different me, a better person than how I entered.”
Organized by Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with Fr. Agnel College, the program concluded with a valedictory session, vote of thanks, and fellowship tea.
(Photo supplied)