Sonia Shirsat at Yuva Sadbhav 2025: Music as a Bridge Across Faiths

Ambassador of Goan Music and global Fado artist Sonia Shirsat set the tone at Yuva Sadbhav 2025, declaring that “music transcends religious boundaries.” In her keynote, she spoke of music as a universal language that reaches the soul, adding that “beyond doctrinal distinctions, music satiates the human yearning for a deeper connection with the divine.”

The interfaith youth programme, held on 2 August 2025 at the Pilar Pilgrim, was jointly organized by Sadbhav, Fr. Agnel College of Arts and Science, and NGO Uzwaad under the theme “Harmony in Devotion: The Interplay of Music and Religion.” Over 80 students from eight colleges representing diverse faith traditions came together to experience the unifying power of music.

Rev. Dr. Elvis Fernandes, convenor of Sadbhav, welcomed the youth as “changemakers” weaving “a tapestry of understanding through faith and music.” Avni Vishnoi, an architect, opened the gathering with a brief interfaith prayer. The programme was further graced by Rev. Dr. Fredrick Rodrigues, Principal of Fr. Agnel College, and Ms. Sendra Pereira, Founder of NGO Uzwaad.

The highlight was five concurrent workshops led by experts in Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian music traditions. Facilitators including Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, Ahana Gulwadi, Harpreet Singh, Harpal Singh, Maryam Hibah, and Zoya Khan Pathan mentored groups in devotional songs and guided dialogues on faith through music. As Simon Agnelo Fernandes of Nirmala Institute noted, “It was a wonderful experience to witness several voices, several types of beats, uniquely wonderful, each different, yet similar vibes.”

Performances added vibrancy, from devotional presentations by participants to a street play by NGO Uzwaad titled “Annekta Mein Ekta – Yahi Hai Hamare Desh Ki Visheshata,” which celebrated diversity, ecological harmony, and the Mhadei River’s significance. Musical showcases by Roque Lazarus, Custodio Dias, and Ahana Gulwadi deepened the cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the event, Saniya Hosamani of Carmel College shared, “The interfaith event moved me deeply. There was such warmth in the room, a sense of unity and curiosity that transcended differences … At times I felt genuinely touched by the shared humanity in the room.”

The evening concluded with a feedback session by Ms. Sendra Pereira, closing remarks from Fr. Joseph Caji Barreto, and a vote of thanks by Ms. Janessa D’Mello. Faculty member Ms. Jisha Ponnachan compered the programme.