{
  "id": 8967191,
  "title": "Goregaon Interfaith Dialogue Calls For Collective Action On Social Justice & Equality",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/goregaon-interfaith-dialogue-calls-for-collective-action-on-social",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T16:50:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/goregaon-interfaith-dialogue-calls-for-collective-action-on-social-justice-equality"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Sunday, an interfaith dialogue in Goregaon emphasized the importance of collective action for social justice and equality among various religious and cultural groups. Organized by the Bombay Catholic Sabha, the event centered on the theme \"Collaboration for Social Justice.\"\n\nSpeakers from different religious backgrounds discussed their commitment to equality, fraternity, and human dignity, despite their varied spiritual paths. Glenn Suares, chairperson of the St Joseph's BCS unit, highlighted the social work of figures like Babasaheb Ambedkar, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, St Francis of Assisi, and Mahatma Gandhi, all of whom championed justice regardless of their faiths.\n\nPrakash Noronha, a BCS deanery councillor, stressed the necessity for people of all beliefs to unite in the pursuit of social justice. His presentation covered recent initiatives by the organization, such as voter registration, youth education, career support, active citizenship promotion, and environmental projects.\n\nDr Harsha Badkar, an academician and retired college administrator, examined Hinduism and the need to address caste discrimination. She pointed out that authentic Hindu teachings advocate for unity and equality, citing reformers and saints who challenged societal divisions.\n\nAdvocate Irfan Engineer, a social activist and human rights defender, spoke about the Constitution's promise of equality and the importance of safeguarding every citizen's rights. Father S M Michael, a Catholic priest, sociologist, and cultural anthropologist, explained the Christian perspective on justice as fairness and equality for all individuals and communities that have faced discrimination.\n\nDr Gautam Nikam, a retired RBI professional, educator, and social-religious activist, shared Buddhist values of justice, compassion, and freedom from suffering. He reiterated that according to the Buddha's teachings, neither birth nor occupation grants superiority over others.\n\nThe dialogue also addressed the Freedom of Religion Acts, the FCRA, caste issues, reservation policies, and the rights of marginalized communities. Speakers unanimously opposed forced conversions while upholding the right of individuals to freely choose and practice their faith.\n\nDolphy D’Souza, BCS spokesperson, concluded by urging continued community building, a deeper understanding of the Constitution, and collaborative efforts for social justice. The event concluded with a tree plantation initiative in honor of St Francis of Assisi, the Roman Catholic patron of ecology.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: An inter-religious dialogue held on Sunday in Goregaon called for members of different religious and cultural traditions to work together for political, social and economic justice through peaceful means. The meeting, organised by the Bombay Catholic Sabha on the theme “Collaboration for Social Justice”, featured speakers representing different religious traditions. Glenn Suares,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}