Sadbhav Mahotsav 2024: Fostering Harmony and Celebrating Agricultural Heritage

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The annual Sadbhav Mahotsav, a vibrant festival dedicated to farmers, traditional practitioners, and villagers from the San Andre Constituency, was held at the historic Casa do Povo hall in Goa Velha. This year’s event was a collaboration between the Goa Velha Panchayat and Sadbhav, an initiative of the Society of Pilar aimed at promoting interfaith relations and communal harmony.

The festival brought together multiple community organizations, including Fr. Agnel College, Goa College of Agriculture, and the Department of Agriculture (Goa government), alongside the village panchayats of Curca-Bambolim-Talaulim, Siridao, Batim, Goa Velha, Agacaim, Neura, and Mandur-Assosim.

Engaging the Youth: Connecting with Nature

The day began with a morning session exclusively designed for high school students, in which over 100 students from six local schools participated. The schools included St. Lawrence High School (Agacaim), Immaculate Heart of Mary High School (Goa Velha), Popular High School (Goa Velha), St. Andrew High School (Goa Velha), Fr. Agnel Central School (Pilar), and Jesus and Mary Sarvajanik High School (Carambolim).

These interactive learning sessions focused on connecting students to their natural surroundings. Activities such as a Nature Walk, Biodiversity Rangoli, palm leaf crafts, and a unique village poster collage enabled the students to engage creatively with nature. The students were also encouraged to bring natural and traditional items from their villages, which they displayed and shared with their peers.

The morning sessions were facilitated by a team of experts, including architect Tallulah D’silva and ecologist Vishal Rawley, assisted by a group of architecture interns—Nigel, Vardhan, Avni, Ishita, and Jithin. These activities not only deepened the students’ understanding of their natural landscape but also motivated them to cherish and preserve the environment around them.

Honoring the Farming Community

In the afternoon, the event shifted its focus to farmers and villagers. A communal lunch, prepared by the villagers of the seven participating panchayats, brought the community together. Before the meal, Fr. Hilario Fernandes led a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, blessing the food and the participants.

Following the meal, students from Fr. Agnel College performed a street play titled Samudhayik Ekchar, written and directed by Assistant Professor Vindya Gauns of Fr. Agnel College, Pilar. The play urged the audience to honor religious diversity, reinforcing inter-religious trust and solidarity. This message was further highlighted through a series of cultural performances, including an invocation dance by Devyani of Fr. Agnel College and a traditional Konkani fugdi performance by students of Fr. Agnel Higher Secondary School.

Sarpanch Andre Pereira of Goa Velha officially welcomed the gathering, setting the tone for the rest of the event.

Preserving Tradition: Balcao-Style Sharing and Wisdom

One of the most anticipated parts of the festival was the informal “balcao-style” sharing session, where local farmers and traditional practitioners shared their wisdom, facilitated by agriculturist Miguel Braganza. This conversation, held in the presence of environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, emphasized the importance of preserving land, promoting agriculture, protecting natural assets, and fostering social harmony.

Farmers like Jaime Soares, a salt harvester from Batim, and Krishna Anant Sinari Gaonkar, an organic farmer from Agacaim, shared stories about their daily lives, their produce, and the legacy of farming that has been passed down through generations. Ana Nunes, a paddy farmer from Goa Velha, and Socorrina Fernandes, a sausage maker from Agacaim, also contributed to the discussions, shedding light on the cultural and ecological significance of their work.

A Tribute to Facilitators and Agricultural Progress

The facilitators, along with the farmers and sarpanches, were honored by Dr. Fr. Federico Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College. This recognition was a gesture of appreciation for their dedication to sustaining traditional practices and agricultural techniques.

Attendees also had the opportunity to interact with officials from the Directorate of Agriculture, who had set up an information booth to disseminate knowledge on various agricultural schemes and practices. The booth was a valuable resource for farmers seeking guidance on modern agricultural policies and opportunities.