The 87th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on September 27, 2019, to discuss the 2nd Annual Alumni Gathering held as part of the initiative of Ulasi Taroon.
The guests believed that the overwhelming response and enthusiasm of the participants indicate the need for increased motivational and leadership opportunities for youth to help them channelize their potential in the national development. The initiative of Ulasi Taroon ought to be extended and expanded so that more youth leaders can develop soft skills like tolerance, communication, conflict resolution and to understand core concepts of rule of law, social cohesion and democracy for progress and sustainable peace.
The first guest on show, Mr. Ameer Hamza, student of Islamia College University, Peshawar and one of the Ulasi Taroon Alumni, noted that the power of expression is very important in human life whether we consider religion, society, politics or any other field of life as it helps us feel belonging which is critical for the overall social inclusion.
Crisp and effective communication is a power and youth must master the skill to articulate their opinions in a dispassionate and focused manner as one can bring major changes with just words. Words can create miraculous impact that would otherwise not be possible through physical medium. The reception of empathetic words is so dramatic that it can change attitudes otherwise hard to penetrate. The key to peace is effective and strategic communication on core values which can persuade individuals towards peace and tolerance.
The second guest on show, Mr. Aizaz from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, added that such gatherings are paramount for cultivating the youth leaders in positive thinking and ideals of cohesion. This initiative sensitized me on the importance of resorting to volunteerism for community development with the role of youth at the core.
The third guest on phone, Mrs. Shagufta Khalique, educationist and Ulasi Taroon workshops’ lead trainer stressed that the first step is the most crucial step for a grand future characterized by cohesion and prosperity. As soon as we take that initial step, not only the journey to cohesion starts but it also warrants the success. Youth has amazing talent, potential and energies and all such capital can only be channelized for cohesion if these young members are on board in the important matters.
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.