Seminar on Swami Vivekananda at Rachol Seminary
Rachol:‘Indians need to celebrate differences inorder to promote national –integration through inter-religious harmony’ was the gist of the presidential address delivered by Justice (Retd.)V.S.Kokje.He spoke on the one day seminar on Swami Vivekanandas vision on national-integration and religious harmony jointly organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad-Goa Prant, Rachol Seminary and Pilar Seminary at the Rachol Seminary Auditorium on the occasion of his historic visit to Rachol Seminary 120 years ago.
The key note address was delivered by Arun G. Karmarkar.The moderator for the inaugural session was Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes.He deliberately mentioned the difference between Religion and Dharma.The former reffering to the way of worship and the latter on the way of life based on set of values .
In the scientific session three papers on Swamiji were presented.Swami Vivekananda’s vision on national integration by Sem.Francisco Baretto (Rachol Semminary), Swami Vivekananda’s vision on inter-religious harmony by Sem.Wilson Paul (Pilar seminary) and Swami Vivekananda’s vision of education by Preeti Pai Kakode and Vishal Gaonkar (Rosary College, Navelim).The moderators were Rev.Dr.Lyndon Rodrigues,sfx. and Norman Almeida,sfx.
The seminar was spiced with national-integration items.St.Cicilia choir of the Rachol Seminary melodiously enchanted the audience with the choral ‘Vivekananda’, whose lyrics were penned by Sem.Roman Rodrigues and music arranged Rev. Simon D’Cunha .A prayer dance was presented by the novices of sister adorers. A thought provoking filmy tale ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ was staged under the direction of Sem.Onasis D’Cruz.A convergence of musical rhythms of eight distinct instruments made ‘Sangam’ a delight to the ears. The instrumental ‘Sangam’ was arranged by Rev. Simon D’Cunha.
The elocution competition was held on the days theme and Sanjay Asgaonkar(1st place) Mahila Nutan High School, Shoumik Panandikar(2nd place) Batikar Model High School and Selcia D’costa(3rd place) of Rosary High School were declared winners. A spiritually insightful and inspiring play ‘Swami Vivekananda’ was presented by the students of Mahila Nutan High School,Margao.The play was written by Adv. Rajiv Shinkre, directed by Santosh Shetkar and produced by Mangala Karapurkar.The days programme came to an end with a prayer service, vote of thanks by Rev. Fr.Noel D’Costa and the singing of the National Anthem. The delicious food was sponsored by Bharat Vikas Parishad-Goa Prant. The Rachol Seminarians were at their best in their organisational skills and creativity.The compere for the day was Sem.Savio D’Silva.The cog of the wheel of the seminar was Rev.Fr.Noel D’Costa.