The 32nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on August 24, 2018, on the topic of “Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion”.
“Culture can be defined as a way of life people of a certain territory have chosen for themselves. Culture is also a dynamic phenomenon that may change with the passage of time. No country in the world has a unified and singular culture but a host of different local cultures and traditions”. These were the opening remarks of the guest on show, Mr. Shakeel Waheed Ullah, a writer and social activist. He noted that the community elders can play a vital role in the revival of positive cultural values to promote tolerance and cohesion in the society. Taking into account the role of media, he said that this tremendous platform needs to realize the significance of its role in promoting such indigenous cultural norms and positive values which are critical to social cohesion, as most of the content on our media is influenced by the foreign media. We should exhibit tolerance not only towards the diverse cultures but also for the different faiths around us.
The second in-studio guest, Mr. Hassan Madni said that any culture or civilization takes centuries to evolve and is directly influenced by the religion, cast, race and traditions of that area, however, the role of every individual is pivotal for peaceful coexistence with the people of different cultures. He said the constitution of Pakistan clearly describes the fundamental protections available to the citizens on equal basis, however, the implementation remains the real challenge.
“We should sensitize our youth on the virtues of a multiculturalism and harness their potential to promote the fundamental constitutional principles to respect others regardless of the cultural, traditional or religious differences. Only by cultivating these seeds, can we have a cohesive society”, said Syed Ayaz Khan from Waziristan, during 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.