Tag: religious harmony

National

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Attends Christmas Morning Service in Delhi

allycaralgoa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Christmas morning service at The Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi on Wednesday, marking the festival with a strong message of unity, compassion and shared humanity.

The solemn yet joyful service reflected the timeless values of love, peace and harmony that lie at the heart of the Christmas celebration. The Prime Minister joined members of the Christian community in prayer and reflection, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and coexistence in India’s diverse social fabric.

During his interaction with the congregation, Prime Minister Modi extended warm Christmas greetings and expressed his appreciation for the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasise selfless love, kindness and service to others. He noted that Christmas serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility to care for one another and build a society rooted in compassion and understanding.

The visit was welcomed by church leaders and attendees, who described the Prime Minister’s presence as a meaningful gesture reinforcing India’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and inclusivity.

As the nation celebrated Christmas, the Prime Minister’s participation in the service highlighted the spirit of togetherness and goodwill that defines the festive season across communities.

Special Occasion

Saibin: Goa’s Homecoming of Faith, Community & Mary

Tanisha Cardozo

Nestled between the emerald hills and the coastal breeze of Goa lies a tradition that transforms neighbourhoods into sanctuaries. Saibin (also spelled Saibini), meaning the house‐to‐house visitation of the statue of Our Lady (Our Lady of Miracles / Milagres Saibin), is a ritual of faith, unity, and shared heritage. In its humble way, Saibin reminds Goans that devotion isn’t confined to church walls but thrives in living rooms, courtyards, alleyways — where strangers become neighbours, and neighbours, family.

Saibin begins after September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Parishes send out the statue(s) of Mary to various wards so it can visit homes one after another. The ritual is deeply rooted in Goan Catholic custom, but it resonates beyond: Hindus also revere Milagres Saibin, offering oil, flowers, and prayers. It’s an expression of syncretism that defines much of Goan culture.

What Happens During Saibin

Altar preparation: Homes receiving the statue dress up an altar with white cloths, fresh flowers, candles, incense (“dhump”) — each host putting their heart into preparing a welcoming space.

Procession & Prayers: Neighbors gather, often led by a member of the host family, singing hymns, reciting the Rosary, sometimes departing from house to house carrying the statue.

Offerings & Vows: Devotees bring oil, wax models of body parts (for ailments), flowers, candles — giving thanks or seeking blessings.

Food & Fellowship: After prayers, boiled chickpeas (“chonne”) with coconut are often served; neighbors drop in; nowadays also sweets, cold drinks. A sharing of food is part of the connection.

Firecrackers & Ceremonial Markers: In many places, lighting firecrackers marks the beginning and end; replacing old floral garlands, incenseing the statue, using oil lamps to mark the sign of the cross.

International

Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji Addresses Global Faith Leaders at Malaysia Summit

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant moment for interfaith collaboration, Padma Shri Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji delivered an inspiring address at the 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025, held in Malaysia 🇲🇾. The summit brought together spiritual leaders, global policymakers, and religious scholars with the collective goal of building pathways to peace, conflict resolution, and harmonious coexistence.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Dato’ Sri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, who reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to interreligious unity and dialogue. Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, and His Excellency Senator Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammad Naim bin Haji Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Religious Affairs).

Representing the Indian spiritual tradition, Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji emphasized the ancient yet ever-relevant values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the belief that the world is one family. His speech highlighted the necessity of nurturing compassion, dialogue, and shared responsibility among all faiths to counter the divisive forces threatening global peace.

Swamiji’s presence at the summit underlined the vital role that India’s Sanatan Dharma plays in the global discourse on peace and spirituality. His call for practical action over rhetoric, and mutual respect over division, struck a chord with religious leaders and policymakers from around the world.

As conflict, intolerance, and polarization continue to challenge global societies, the summit served as a beacon of hope — showing that when spiritual leaders unite with sincerity and purpose, meaningful progress is not just possible, but inevitable.

The 2nd International Summit of Religious Leaders 2025 concluded with a renewed collective pledge to promote faith-based cooperation, preserve cultural heritage, and uphold human dignity worldwide.