On September 12, 2025, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Ponda unit) hosted an interfaith program titled “Spiritual Leaders: Guiding Lights to Humanity”, drawing participants from across Goa for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.
The event began with a Quranic recitation by Mohammad Shah, President of SIO Ponda, and was convened by Simran Shaikh, President of GIO Ponda. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Akbar Khan, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Ponda, emphasized the need for spiritual initiatives to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.
Key Highlights of the Program:
- 🕊️ Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Church, Borim, spoke on the Christian concept of Agape—selfless love—as a transformative force to overcome hatred and division.
- 🕉️ Arjunpriya Das, ISKCON member from Ponda, stressed that spiritual leaders must embody good character, respect all religions, and promote dialogue as a pathway to understanding.
- ☪️ Maulana Usman Qasmi, Imam of ICG Islamic Centre, Mapusa, underlined the centrality of service to humanity in Islam, citing prophetic teachings about compassion for family, neighbours, and the needy.
The program concluded with Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Zone, who highlighted divine guidance through the Prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the key to building lasting peace.
Around 160 participants from diverse faith backgrounds attended the event, which ended with a prayer by Ms. Ruksana.
By bringing together different faith perspectives, the program succeeded in underscoring a universal truth: that spirituality, compassion, and service are guiding lights to humanity.
