August 7, 2018: The 23rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 22, 2018, on the topic of “Celebrating Our Diversity.
The in-studio guest, Mr. Nangyal Afridi, a student from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar and a social activist, noted that the term diversity might be known to most of the people but there are only a few of them who comprehend its idea and importance for a peaceful coexistence. Diversity is a natural phenomenon and it adds to the beauty of a society. The societies that capitalize on diversity make rapid progress and development.
The first guest on phone, Mr. Hussain Shaheed Sohrwardi, an academician from University of Peshawar emphasized that our society; particularly the youth needs to be educated on the importance of exhibiting tolerance for diversity and acceptance of cultural, religious or ideological differences. The case of Mashal Khan – a living example where the difference of opinion caused the loss of a human life, underpins the criticality of fostering respect for diversity. It is not only the job of academia to foster such respect but a great onus is on parents, government and civil society as well.
The second guest on phone, Mr. Ali Imran from Department of Journalism, University of Peshawar was of the view that we need to understand that every individual is unique and different from others in many ways. The diversity can be observed in thoughts, perceptions, cultures, religions and practices. We must accept and value it, be tolerant, respect others’ ideas and learn to live peacefully.
“Where the diversity is rampant and people from different backgrounds have dialogues, the creativity advances and aesthetic sense promotes”, said Dr. Khadim Hussain in the radio report.
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.