The 130th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on show Mr. Hafiz Salman from Peshawar High Court noted that the essence of tolerance lies in acceptance and respecting diversity and different opinions living in the society. It is not only an essentiality for peace and coexistence as anchored in the constitution but also underpinned by all the religions on earth. Tolerance is a muscle cultivated and strengthened by regular practice. During dialogue, while it is important enough to get your point across, equally important is to give a chance of good hearing to the others point of view. Tolerance perspectives can be best nurtured and encouraged at home and then educational institutions as a mandatory youth development exercise.
Educational institutions ought to be cognizant of the need to build critical thinking skills of the young and encourage them to ask questions about the issues of their concern. Only then can we develop their problem-solving skills and generate new knowledge.
The second guest on show, Ms. Maheen, a student and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna, noted that tolerance is a process, more of a journey and not a destination, and is best continued successfully through empathy. Exhibiting respect and acceptance is not merely a matter of our moral obligation but also social, political and legal binding as responsible citizens.
During conflicting situations, tolerance may be a difficult choice but its impact is worth it. Our society should be more open to questions which can augment the process of peace building, progress and prosperity. The young people as major social media users can use the medium to promote the messaging key to social peace and harmony.
Both guests concurred that initiatives like Ulasi Taroon can help achieve these ends manifest in the way they actively engage and build the peacebuilding potential of youth.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.