February 12, 2018: The fourth radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on the topic of “Celebrating Diversity: Building a More Cohesive Society.”
The program – broadcast on January 26, 2018 – discussed the positive impacts of celebrating diversity to ensure a cohesive society.
The first in-studio guest, Ms. Meraj Humayun Khan, Member of KP Assembly and Chairperson of Women Parliamentary Caucus said that there were certain political and social factors caused chaos and disappointment in the society. They can also weaken our social cohesion and we should not let them play out in our society to strengthen our social fabric. Diversity is natural and beautiful. It needs to be accepted, respected and celebrated. There is a dire need to sensitize the masses on tolerance for diversity & respect for differences by promoting some positive practices around us & from across the multicultural diverse societies. The educational institutions and media can make a great contribution in educating youth in the virtues of celebrating diversity.
“We need to bring critical thinking skills to our youth to enable them challenge the preconceived notions within society about other cultures and religions, and exhibit tolerance for diversity”, she said while adding that the journey of cohesive society would start only by small individual steps that can inspire the whole society into respect for diversity.
The second guest on show, Ms. Ms. Malalai Akhtari, Social Activist said that the children should be taught the virtues of acceptance of diversity right from the early years of education. The educational sector should promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence. Our system of education should cultivate and educate the future leaders in the ideals of peace, harmony and cohesion. It needs to teach them human values. The issue of human rights violation is not only faced by the minorities but also the groups in majority. Religion, race and caste should not be the dividers. We should use them as our connectors.
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 and FATA 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.