August 03, 2018: The 21st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 01, 2018, on the topic of “Importance of Values Based Education for Social Cohesion”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Mehran Wazir said that the values based education is the most inclusive form of education ever available and it should be adopted by all sectors of the society. We should not let our students remain color blind in the society and must teach them to exhibit respect for and celebrate diversity as it’s always good to see different colors and then go along. The model of education embedded in the values of cohesion is becoming increasingly popular among the developed countries. We should also modernize and harmonize all kinds of educational systems in our country. They should also incorporate the sports, debates, co-curricular activities and interactive sessions to help achieve this end. We need to bring positive changes in our educational curricula and incorporate the ideals fundamental to social cohesion and durable peace such as tolerance, equality and acceptance.
The second guest on show, Mr. Shams Mohmand, representing CRSS said that Ulasi Taroon; CRSS’s counter-radicalization initiative is a perfect example of values based education as it attempts to cultivate the youth and the public at large in the core constitutional values; especially articles 8-28 in the Pakistani Constitution that promote respect for fundamental human rights and different opinions, tolerance for diversity, and adherence to rule of law to uphold primacy of constitution. This is hoped to result in social peace and cohesive society; characterized by peaceful coexistence. CRSS is doing its part but equal onus is on the academia to promote these values and concepts apart from the academic excellence for students.
“The educational system should have the element of building critical thinking skills and inquisitive pursuits. Such a system should bring out the creative potential of students and it can be achieved if youth is taken on board in the decision making”, said Dr. Khadim Hussain in the radio report while sharing his ideas of values based education.
“Those exercises and lessons that create brotherhood, unity, and cohesion and guide to lead peaceful conflict resolution should be included in the curriculum. Such plans should be devised where students can sit and work together in the group settings to help them master practical knowledge of resolving the conflicts and considering different opinions and views. Such exercises are especially important in schools, colleges and neighborhood” said Dr. Sarfraz, Director, Area Study Center Peshawar 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.