By Matters India Reporter
PILAR, November 11, 2026: Hindu, Muslim and Christian scholars gathered at Pilar Seminary on Nov. 11 to urge collective environmental stewardship, warning that unchecked consumerism and ecological neglect threaten humanity’s survival.
The Solidarity Forum of the Society of Pilar, in collaboration with Sadbhav and the Conference of Religious India for Goa and Daman, hosted the event, titled “Samvaad – A Dialogue of Theological Exchange,” at Br. Albert Hall.
Centered on the theme “The Theology of Creation, Stewardship, and Human Responsibility,” the forum examined how sacred texts define humanity’s duty toward the natural world.
Welcoming the assembly, the Father Elvis Fernandes, convenor of the Solidarity Forum and Sadbhav, emphasized the value and varied forms of interreligious engagement.
Representatives from the three faiths opened the session by reciting sacred verses on creation from the Atharva Veda, the Quran and the Book of Psalms.
Satish Suryakant Gaude, an assistant professor of Sanskrit at Swami Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya in Kundaim, Ponda, presented the Hindu perspective.
Gaude underscored the role of the five classical elements in sustaining life, warning that neglecting them imperils human existence.
Invoking the Sanskrit principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — meaning the world is one family — he called for unity across communities to preserve ecological balance.
Representing the Islamic tradition, Hafeez Abul Kalam Khan, imam of Masjid Mehboob E Subhani in Cortalim, stated that environmental preservation transcends religious boundaries. Khan stressed that humans are not owners of the Earth, but stewards entrusted with its safekeeping.
“It is the need of humanity that we take care of it,” Khan told attendees, urging joint action across faith lines.
The Rev. Mateus Fernandes, manager of Miracles High School in Sanguem, outlined the Christian viewpoint, framing creation as a divine gift requiring care rather than exploitation.
Citing Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’,” Fernandes noted that excessive consumption disproportionately harms the poor and vulnerable. He urged schools, parishes and religious communities to adopt practical habits, including conserving water, reducing plastic use, protecting trees and curbing food waste.
“The earth is not our personal property; it is God’s gift entrusted to us,” Fernandes said.
Moderator Ida Rose Miller Mukherjee, a core committee member of Sadbhav, concluded the dialogue by highlighting the distinct roles of science, politics and theology in addressing the environmental crisis.
While science diagnoses ecological damage and politics establishes regulations, theology provides the moral imperative for action, she said. Mukherjee called for an internal shift “from consumerism to care and from greed to gratitude.”
The event drew Christian seminarians from Pilar, Pallottine Seminary in Assagao and Redemptorist Seminary in Varca, alongside nuns from the Institute of Mater Dei in Old Goa.
Hindu students from Swami Brahmanand Mahavidyalaya and Muslim students from Madrasa-e-Ashrafiya in Verna also participated in the panel discussion.
Seminarian Agustine Coelho delivered the vote of thanks, and event anchor Jisha Ponnachan concluded the gathering with a prayer.