The 151st 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 program underscored the need to nurture positive and empathetic attitudes in a multicultural, diverse society as an essentiality for peace and harmony.
The first guest on show, Prof. Nasir Ali Syed, a columnist noted that diversity is the existence of people from a range of different backgrounds, and of different genders and sexual orientations where these differences demand respect as a matter of peaceful coexistence in the society and an investment in the future of any country’s social capital. Only by respecting each other’s opinions, can we live in peace and harmony with each other.
Both the concepts of diversity and inclusion are interlinked because when we respect diversity, we pave way for different segments of society to be treated equally and included in the democratic processes. Our constitution endorses diversity by providing equal constitutional rights to every citizen regardless of their faith, or socio-economic and political backgrounds. And why not, provision of equal citizenry rights, safety, and security irrespective of race, caste, creed, etc. is the responsibility of every state.
Our behavior and interaction with other people should be informed by the ideals of empathy and humanitarianism in case of the state dealing with its citizens. Youth and media, both should promote positive cultural values and make cultural interventions; promote best cultural practices and add to the collective conscience of the society. Only by compassion and care for others, can we mitigate differences and pave way for social cohesion.
The second guest in the show Mr. Hanif Wazir, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumnus and a student of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Univeristy of Peshawar, said that
both formal and informal educational setups need to promote these concepts key to the acceptance of diversity to bring practical change in the society. As future leaders and responsible citizens of the country, it is our responsibility not only to cultivate a mindset that is open to diversity, but also respect each other’s opinion, practice these ideals and discourage intolerant behaviors in the society.
The third guest in the show, Ms. Malalai Akhtari from Bahai Community, explained that diversity needs to be understood as a natural phenomenon and therefore it should be accepted and celebrated, as a way to mitigate differences. We do not need to tolerate differences, instead respect them, accept and understand each other to strengthen the bond of cohesion in a multicultural diverse society. It is extremely critical to cultivate these ideals as a matter of multicultural coexistence.
Every culture and religion promote peace, love, and humanity which should serve as a connector for social cohesion at the national as well as international levels, especially in the post globalized world characterized by complex interdependence between states at different levels of the society.
Educational curriculum should be inclusive of the core constitutional values of peace; promote values key to respect for diversity so that our future leaders become the flag bearers of celebration of diversity.
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.