Double click image for larger viewA one day International symposium on "Forgiveness and Healing across Religions'' was held at St. Andrew's College Bandra, Mumbai. The program started with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Fr.Joe H Pereira- Founder Managing Trustee of Kripa Foundation, Mrs. Kia Scherr - President of One life Alliance and Guest of Honour, Dr Marie Fernandes- Principal of St. Andrews College, Mr A.D Mascarenhas- Dean of the college, Mr Johnny Alves, College Administrator and a student representative.
The key speakers were Fr. Joe H Pereira, Mr. Mohammad Shoaib Koti, General Secretary- All India Tehreek -e-Zakaat, Sadguru Mangeshda- Founder of Kriya Yoga Foundation, Mrs. Kia Scherr, Rabbi Solomon Sopher- President of Baghdadi Jewish Community in Mumbai & Ms. Mona Gaur of the Bahai Community.
The audience were touched by the personal sharing of Mrs. Kia Scherr on the loss of her husband and daughter in the terrorist attack on Tridentt Hotel, Mumbai. Questions from the students were answered by Fr Joe Pereira, Sadguru Mangeshda and Rabbi Solomon Sopher. Fr. Joe summed up this session, by stating that it was easier to forgive, but reconciliation was more difficult.
The whole program was well organised under the Professor in charge of the event Mrs. Sharmila Dhote, the students organising committee. Sister Teresa Joseph all under the leadership of Dr. Marie Fernandes. Mr Michael O Toole a guest of Kripa from Australia also shared his story, relating with context to the topic. The master of ceremonies was a student of the college Johanan Nunes.
The program ended with the singing of the National Anthem. The students went home enlightened, by the speakers words of Wisdom, keeping in mind to utilise them not just academically, but in their personal lives too, as they would be the future torch bearers of our country.
Those wishing to get an extract of the copy of Fr Joe's presentation, may kindly contact :
Ms Krishna Iyer
Development Manager
Newsdesk
