The 122nd 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 first guest on show, Dr. Rehana, a faculty member from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar noted that educational curriculum is of paramount importance to promote social cohesion, and it can serve as an institutionalized peacebuilding mechanism. All the developed nations have used this strategy to strengthen their social capital and for democratic development.
The purpose of education should not only be to prepare the students for the market needs but also to fulfill the needs of a cohesive society. The teacher leaders themselves need capacity to advance these social development goals.
The second guest on show, Mr. Mustafa from Islamia College University, Peshawar and CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon alumnus, noted that there is a huge responsibility on teachers to train the young minds to think critically, do research and generate new knowledge. Only through these skills, can they have the problem-solving capacity for the practical lives.
The guest on phone, Dr. Adeel Rehman from FATA University, noted that living in a diverse society means a responsibility for its members to exhibit respect and acceptance. Youth is our future and to make it more connected and cohesive, we must sensitize them on the values key to peace and harmony. We must promote dialogue on the issues critical to peacebuilding, with all the stakeholders as part of the discussion.
CRSS Ulasi Taroon workshop held at FATA university was very helpful to familiarize the tribal youth with notion of social cohesion and their roles as future leaders in the development processes.
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.