The 55th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 08, 2019, on the theme of “Acceptance of Diversity”, to explore the varied dimensions and virtues of diversity and the importance of its acceptance for social cohesion.
The first guest on show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a writer and an activist, noted, “Diversity in the world and human society is a natural phenomenon but the knowledge about its importance may not come naturally, rather it needs to be inculcated. Therefore, respecting diversity is as important as respecting nature”. The diversity can also help strengthening the social fabric and act as a driver of peace and coexistence if exhibited respect for and tolerance of it; which begins at home. The initial responsibility lies with parents to provide such an environment at home which is conducive to diversity. Secondly, the academia should propagate the ideals of diversity through available youth development opportunities and other possible avenues of dissemination. But the primary responsibility lies with the state and government to not only practice but also implement it and educate the masses about its virtues to make it a national culture. The efforts undertaken by CRSS around this issue – through youth leadership development and strategic communication – are praiseworthy.
The second guest in studio, Ms. Zunash Zaki, an alumna of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops, admitted that the idea of diversity and acceptance was something new and unique for her to learn during the CRSS’s workshop. Difference is the essence of life but we did not know that acceptance of diversity is so crucial for social cohesion. I came to learn how celebrating the diversity can unleash its hidden potential and unlock countless opportunities of development and prosperity through shared goals and collective vision. There is a deep relationship between peace and acceptance of diversity where they are directly proportional to each other.
“We must all respect each other regardless of the color, cast or creed and adhere to the values of respect and acceptance enshrined in the constitution”, Said Syed Fazl Ullah, during the radio report aired as part of the radio show.
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 fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.