EID MILAN CELEBRATIONS FOR PEACE AND HARMONY FOR ALL HUMANKIND

THE Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Goa orchestrated a series of Eid Milan programs across various locations in Goa, namely Sanvordem, Margao, Panjim and Mapusa on April 18, 19, 20 and 24, 2024, respectively. Goans from all walks of life and some distinguished invitees graced the celebration and enriched themselves with fresh insight and perspective on Eid Milan.
Amongst those who spoke on the occasion were Dr Pradnya Kakodkar, Pradeep Kakodkar (charted accountant), Bilal Ahmed Shaikh (proprietor, Bills Coaching, Curchorem), Fr Ashliff Correia (asst parish priest, Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem), Swamini Gopika Nanda Saraswati of Chinmaya Mission, Fr Gabriel Coutinho from Rosary Church in Navelim, Maulana Iqbal Mulla, director, JIH, Rev (Dr) Fr Victor Ferrao, Borim Church, Sandesh Prabhudesai (journalist and writer), Asif Hussain (State president-JIH Goa), Fr Peter Melo Fernandes (Pillar Seminary) and Dr Saleem Engineer(national vice-president, JIH), each bringing their unique perspective for introspection.
Secretary Samiullah Belwadi, Abdul Rahman Khan and Meenaz Banu in their inaugural addresses, highlighted the commendable efforts of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind over the past 77 years. They emphasized the organization’s proactive role in societal betterment, particularly during times of crisis such as the Manipur violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they underscored JIH’s commitment to social justice, human rights advocacy and fostering communal harmony through various initiatives like forums for democracy and communal amity and Sadhbhavna Manch.
Father Gabriel Coutinho eloquently underscored the relationship between education and spirituality, lamenting the current societal trends of escalating crime and violence, despite advancements in education.
Swamini Gopika Nanda Saraswati articulated the unifying essence of Dharma, emphasizing the intellect’s role in fostering clarity, connection with the divine and positive relationships.
Maulana Iqbal Mulla provided insights into the Islamic perspective on Eid celebrations and the importance of coexistence amidst diversity.
Father Victor Ferrao highlighted the urgent need to counteract divisive forces through collective dialogue and the dissemination of knowledge.
Sandesh Prabhudesai emphasized the absence of a Konkani word for “hate,” contrasting it with multiple words for “love” in the language, such as “mog” and “maya.” He suggested that this absence reflects the inherent unity and lack of hatred among Goans, as evidenced by historical instances where Christians, Hindus, and Muslims united to address common issues.
Prabhudesai stressed the importance of unity in today’s divisive times, highlighting the need to preserve “Goekarpan” (Goan identity). He urged Goans to emulate the historical unity and to work together to address contemporary challenges.
He also addressed the issue of migrant discrimination, reminding his audience that all Goans are originally migrants. Prabhudesai emphasized the importance of assimilation and urged Goans to embrace diversity.
Furthermore, he called for the condemnation of fanaticism within all religions, emphasizing the responsibility to address extremism wherever it arises.

Asif Hussain emphasized on the unity of humans being the creation of One God. He remembered the guidance delivered by all prophets to humans time and again and called upon to follow it to maintain peace, harmony and fraternity, instead of following whims and fantasies which only lead to hate, divisions and being led astray.
Fr Peter emphasized the significance of learning from religious traditions to nurture spiritual growth. He articulated the commonalities among Christian traditions, highlighting the importance of unity in diversity. His talk centred on the three fundamental aspects of prayers, fasting and charity, emphasizing their role in cultivating a deep relationship with the divine and transforming individuals.
Dr Saleem’s address delved into the relevance of living with love and harmony in today’s world marked by divisions. He mentioned how JIH is working tirelessly for the cause and has successfully held 5,000+ programs for the same. He elucidated on the significance of Ramadan in nurturing unity and togetherness among communities. Drawing from Qur’anic guidance, he underscored the importance of “taqwah” (God-consciousness) and the establishment of justice for peace to prevail.
Dr Saleem emphasized the universal message of compassion, accountability, and the shared pursuit of spiritual elevation. He concluded by saying “nafrat ko mohabbat se hi jeeta ja sakta hai.”
Collectively all the speakers echoed a resounding message of inclusivity, mutual respect and celebration of diversity. The events concluded with prayers for the strengthening of relationships and prosperity for all, encapsulating the spirit of unity and mutual respect that defined EID Milan gatherings. Such interfaith dialogues serve as crucial platforms for nurturing understanding, harmony and cooperation in our diverse society.

Overall, the EID Milan events provided a rich opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations, deepen their understanding of diverse faiths, and reaffirm their commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious world
— By Our Special Correspondent