The 39th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on October 19, 2018, on the theme of “Role of Literature for Social Cohesion”.
The show aimed at exploring the different dimensions and aspects of literature and its current and potential contribution for a progressive society.
“Writers are considered to be the eyes and ears of a society. Every writer is the child of his own age and reflects his own society”, these were the opening remarks made by the first guest on show, Mrs. Kalsoom Zeb, a writer and poetess. She noted that the poets and literary artists are quite sensitive people and anything that happens in the society is readily and deeply felt by them. Great writers also create a positive impact on their own age. She said that literature is the backbone of a society and without it a society cannot grow. She added that writers and poets can use their talent to promote love, peace and social cohesion in the society. However, the current situation does not offer substantial help and support to them.
The second guest in studio, Mrs. Laiba Zaib, a writer and social activist was of the view that the situations and circumstances in the society affect our tolerance level. Social media is an extremely powerful tool and it should be deployed to promote more of the literary content and messages relevant to tolerance, peace and harmony. The literature of a particular era is the reflection of that society. Besides government, the civil society should also support the literary artists. Mrs. Laiba suggested that authors and educated people should make use of social media and promote such literary trends about our culture.
Mr. Naseer Khan a government official said in the radio report that when a society has limited role of writers, it faces stagnation. The vibrant literature in the country has a huge potential to lead to a cohesive society. “When this section of a society is weakened, the stronger segments of a society are also affected. You can see in our country; especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when the institution of Hujra became weak, respect for elders also got affected”, he added.
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.