Tag: Unity In Diversity

Special Occasion

Makar Sankranti: One Festival, Many Names, A Shared Indian Spirit

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, deeply rooted in the country’s agricultural traditions and astronomical significance. Observed when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara, the festival marks the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This transition symbolises light over darkness, warmth over cold, and renewal over stagnation, making it a powerful moment of optimism and forward movement.

Unlike many festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle and therefore falls around the same time every year, usually in mid-January. It coincides with the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season, when farmers across India reap the rewards of months of dedication and hard work. At its core, the festival is a heartfelt expression of gratitude—to the Sun, to nature, and to the earth that sustains life.

What makes Makar Sankranti truly unique is its celebration across India under different names, each shaped by local culture, language, and tradition. In Punjab it is celebrated as Lohri, in Gujarat as Uttarayan, in Tamil Nadu as Thai Pongal, in Assam as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, in Maharashtra as Makar Sankranti, and in West Bengal as Poush Sankrant. Across other regions, it is known as Magha Saaji, Khichdi Parv, Uttarayani, Sakraat, Makar Sankramana, Pedda Panduga, Bhogi, and many more. Though the names differ, the essence remains the same—a celebration of harvest, abundance, and new beginnings.

Traditional customs vary from kite flying and bonfires to holy river dips, community feasts, and the sharing of festive foods made from newly harvested crops such as rice, sugarcane, sesame, and jaggery. The exchange of sesame and jaggery sweets symbolises warmth, harmony, and the strengthening of relationships, reflecting the deeper values of togetherness and goodwill.

Beyond rituals and festivities, Makar Sankranti serves as a reminder of balance—between humans and nature, effort and reward, tradition and progress. It encourages people to let go of negativity, embrace positivity, and step confidently into a new phase of life. As the Sun begins its northward journey and days grow longer, the festival invites everyone to rise with hope, renew their purpose, and celebrate the shared cultural spirit that unites India.

#faith

Where Faith Meets Brotherhood: The Story of Tonca’s Restored Holy Cross

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In the quiet, verdant landscapes of Goa—where the Mandovi River winds gently and coconut palms sway in harmony with the breeze—lies the village of Tonca in Marcela, also known as Mashel. Nestled close to the serene island of St. Estevam, Tonca is a place where time moves slowly and faith quietly binds people closer than blood.

At the crossroads where paths from Tonca and St. Estevam converge once stood a simple stone Holy Cross. Weathered by monsoons and sun, it had witnessed generations pass by. More than a religious symbol, it was a silent companion to village life—children played in its shade, travellers paused for prayer, and families gathered during the Litany of the Cross.

Among those who grew up under its gaze were a group of boys who proudly called themselves the “Super Star Boys.” Bound by friendship, football, and mischief, they spent their childhood days chasing kites, stealing mangoes and cashews, and dreaming big dreams at that very crossroads.

As years passed, life led them far from Tonca—to Dubai, Kuwait, London, and beyond—in search of opportunities and stability. They built lives, families, and futures abroad, yet the pull of home never truly faded.

One December, many of them returned—not just for a visit, but for good. Drawn by nostalgia, they walked together to the old cross that had shaped their childhood. Time had taken its toll. The paint had peeled, the base had cracked, and the flowers had lost their colour. Though it still stood tall, it needed care.

That evening, over conversations, laughter, feni, and sorpotel, a decision was made. Without debate or hesitation, the Super Star Boys resolved to restore the Holy Cross—not as an obligation, but as an act of gratitude.

The village responded wholeheartedly. Contributions flowed in, and even Hindu families from nearby wards came forward, recognising the cross as a shared symbol of Tonca’s identity. “It belongs to all of us,” they said.

Work began soon after. Men who were once boys laboured side by side—some now grandfathers—laughing, singing old mandos, and reliving childhood memories as they worked. There were no leaders, only brothers united by purpose.

Weeks later, the restored cross stood renewed—clean, vibrant, adorned with fresh flowers and glowing lights. When the village gathered once more for the Litany of the Cross, voices rang louder, lanterns shone brighter, and the cross seemed to radiate a deeper sense of peace.

Children ran around it once again, just as the Super Star Boys once had.

What emerged from this small act was something far greater than restoration. It was a reminder that faith, friendship, and unity can endure time, distance, and change. In Tonca, a simple roadside cross became a testament to shared roots, collective memory, and the quiet strength of community—proving that sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning.

#faith

Spiritual Leaders Unite for Interfaith Dialogue in Ponda

allycaralgoa

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.

Events in Goa

“My Nation, My Garden”: A Bloom of Young Voices at Bal Kavi Sammelan 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartwarming celebration leading up to India’s 78th Independence Day, Konkani Shanti Publications (KSP) hosted the Bal Kavi Sammelan on August 13, 2025, at the prestigious Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Goa. The event invited student poets from schools across the state to recite original works under the evocative theme “My Nation, My Garden.”

The program opened with a stirring address from KSP President Mr. Samiullah Belwadi, who passionately emphasized the beauty of India’s linguistic and cultural plurality. “Just as a garden thrives with a variety of flowers, our nation flourishes with a diversity of languages and traditions,” he said. His message of unity in diversity resonated throughout the evening.

Chief Guest N. Shivdas, a celebrated writer and social activist, encouraged young minds to find poetry through introspection and observation. “True poetry is not written—it is felt,” he shared, urging students to remain open to the world around them.

The competition drew an impressive range of multilingual entries, judged by a distinguished panel of literary figures including Chitra Kshirsagar, Ramesh Ghadi, Sheetal Salgaokar, Purnima Desai, and Sharmin Deshmukh. The judges praised the originality and heartfelt emotion conveyed by the young poets, and commended KSP for nurturing literary culture among children.

Notable winners included:

  • Aafiya Shaikh – Deepvihar Primary School
  • Saijat Anjul Fall Dessai – Tiny Tots Primary School
  • Adhvaiya Kunkolikar – Popular Prathamik Vidhyalay
  • Aisafa Begum Khan, Zaida Mehboob Shaikh, Ayesha Baig – Crescent School
  • Aabed Farhan Onti – Maarif Modest Education
  • Asad Shaikh – Loyola High School
  • Zainab Khanam Soudagar – Keshav Smruti Bal Vikas School

Adding musical cheer, students from Popular English High School, Goa Velha, presented a special patriotic song, stirring national pride among the audience.

Afrah Sayyed, who served as convenor, ensured the event ran smoothly, reflecting KSP’s ongoing commitment to cultural education and harmony.

In his closing note, Mr. Asif Hussain spoke about the power of young voices in shaping the nation’s future. “Their hope and clarity reflect the vision of our founding fathers,” he said. “They are our brightest bloom in the garden of India.”

From poignant verses to unfiltered dreams, Bal Kavi Sammelan 2025 was not just a competition—it was a celebration of language, unity, and a shared national spirit.

Books & Literature

Vice President of India Launches Gopichand Hinduja’s Book “I Am?”

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, February 8, 2024: In a significant event, Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, launched a thought-provoking book titled “I Am?” compiled by Gopichand Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group. The event was attended by an eminent group of leaders from the political and business classes, along with members of the diplomatic community.


Addressing the gathering, Vice President Dhankhar stated, “This book underscores the universal relevance of Bharatiyata, virtuosity that is discernible in all faiths. We can respect and appreciate others’ truth without alluring conversions. Unity means no uniformity. Bharatiyata is a perfect example. It exemplifies unity in diversity.”


President of Parmarth Niketan Trust, Swami Chiddanand Saraswati, said, “Gopichand P. Hinduja’s book talks about inclusivity… It’s about the journey from ‘I’ to ‘We’ because only then can humanity move from illness to wellness. This embodies the message of the Rig Veda — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — that the world is one family.”


The Hinduja Group is one of India’s premier diversified and transnational conglomerates, employing about 200,000 employees across 38 countries. The group owns businesses in various sectors, including automotive, IT, media, entertainment, and communications, banking and financial services, infrastructure project development, cybersecurity, oil and specialty chemicals, power, real estate, trading, and healthcare.


Founded over a hundred years ago by Shri PD Hinduja, the group supports charitable and philanthropic activities across the world through the Hinduja Foundation.


Notable attendees at the event included Mr. Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor; Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, eminent jurist and Rajya Sabha MP; British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron; Vipul Rungta, MD CEO HDFC Capital; and Navin Jindal, Chairman, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd and Member Lok Sabha.