The 106th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed the journey of programme through the last two and a half years and that how it continued to sow the seeds of social cohesion despite the devastating effects of COVID-19.
Mr. Shams Mohmand, Project Manager, Ulasi Taroon noted that the initiative aims to promote tolerance perspectives, and virtues of respect for diversity through constitutional awareness and education among the citizens. For this purpose, it utilizes the radio advocacy campaign, youth capacity building workshops, and print and social media, to engage all segments of the society, especially youth. As part of the project’s youth leadership development efforts, more than 700 students from over 30 public and private sector universities have been engaged to cultivate their peacebuilding and leadership potential. And the journey of Ulasi Taroon continues even during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to online conduits for communication; conducting digital workshops, radio programming, social media traction and more.
The second guest on phone, Ms. Shagufta Khalique, Lead Facilitator, Ulasi Taroon noted that the initiative aims promote a discourse embedded in the ideals of acceptance, equality and rule of law and equip the young with the intellectual tools to refute extremist ideologies. Only by onboarding the youth and equipping them with the critical thinking, conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills, can social cohesion be strengthened. This is how the societies coexist peacefully; when they cultivate the attitudes and practices of respect and understanding, and resort to dialogue to figure out differences.
The third guest on show, Ms. Mahnoor Khan, Ulasi Taroon alumna, opined that Ulasi Taroon has been a life-changing experience; brining a very positive change in her attitude and her fellow students. Such initiatives are need of the hour as they bring together people from different backgrounds, and help on how to work together, cooperate and foster mutual understanding despite differences.
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.