The 98th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 13, 2019, on the topic of “Role of Educational Institutions to Foster Civic Engagement”.
The guests on shows were of the view that in civilized societies, every citizen is expected to work for the communal welfare through volunteerism.
The first guest on show, Mr. Asif Khan from the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar, noted that the purpose of education should not only be to qualify what the market needs but also hone the social change potential and become responsible citizens. The two most important institutions responsible to sensitize the youth on active and volunteer civic engagement and social welfare activities are family and educational institutions. Such an engagement and involvement of youth develop their potential for democratic participation and development. Youth is the primary source and force to solve civic problems as they are a catalyst for change. Having a sense of responsibility among individuals is the basic element for civic engagement. Promoting the culture of dialogue is need of the hour as it will not only develop the inherent communal capacity to resolve their issues but also encourage for a volunteer social change drive.
The second guest on show, Ms. Almas Sikandar, a student from Department of Gender Studies, University of Peshawar opined that the educated citizens have a greater responsibility of social change than their illiterate counterparts. Youth direly needs to be sensitized on and resort to volunteerism as a matter of national interest. This way, they will become the role models and inspiring examples for future generations. Any change expected in the society has a precondition of attitudinal and behavioral changes.
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.