In a historic event set to foster cross-cultural understanding and address shared social concerns, students from various educational institutions across South Asia are gearing up to engage in a dialogue with Pope Francis on September 26, 2023, at 3 p.m. (Rome time).

The event, known as "Building Bridges Across South Asia," has brought together students for small group discussions, reflections, and shared discernment over their common social concerns.

The highlight of the event will be a virtual dialogue session with His Holiness Pope Francis that will take place via Zoom. Student representatives from each participating group will have the unique opportunity to engage with Pope Francis directly, sharing their thoughts and concerns with the leader of the Catholic Church. This dialogue is expected to be an insightful exchange of ideas and perspectives that transcend borders and cultures.

To ensure that the event reaches a wide audience, live-streaming of the encounter will be hosted on YouTube, and it will be accessible in three languages: English, Spanish, and Hindi. This multi-lingual approach is intended to make the dialogue as inclusive as possible, allowing viewers from different linguistic backgrounds to engage with the discussions.

Several prominent educational institutions from India have taken an active role in organizing and participating in this momentous event. Notable institutions include St. Stephen's College, Delhi; CHRIST University, Bangalore; CHRIST University, Delhi NCR Campus; Loyola College, Chennai; University of Punjab, Lahore; Jesus and Mary College, Delhi; and St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. These institutions have joined hands with numerous others from across South Asia to make this dialogue a reality.

The event comes at a crucial juncture when the world grapples with an array of global challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, climate change, and socio-economic disparities. It is a testament to the power of education and dialogue to bring about positive change and promote peace and unity in the region.

The participants are expected to discuss with Pope Francis a wide range of topics like social justice, climate change, inter-faith cooperation, and youth empowerment. Their insights and recommendations will serve as a valuable contribution to addressing these pressing global issues.

"Building Bridges Across South Asia" exemplifies the potential of young people to be catalysts for change in the world. By fostering connections and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds, this event aims to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout South Asia and beyond.

This unique opportunity to engage with Pope Francis is seen as a transformative moment that has the potential to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to building a more just and inclusive world.

In a world often divided by differences, "Building Bridges Across South Asia" stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of dialogue to transcend borders and bring people together for a common purpose. The event promises to be a milestone in the journey toward a more interconnected and harmonious South Asia.

For watching the dialogue with Pope Francis, mark your calendars for September 26, 2023, at 3 p.m. (Rome time), and tune in to the live-stream on YouTube in English, Spanish, or Hindi.

Link: https://youtu.be/CBLUwVYu7WY