The 41st radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 02, 2018, on the theme of “Youth Leadership Development”.
The show focused on the core themes of the Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops and underscored the role of youth – as future leaders – for promoting the core constitutional values including respect, tolerance, acceptance and equality.
Both the guests on show including Mr. Saleem Khan and Ms. Momina Afridi from University of Peshawar who had themselves participated in the Ulasi Taroon workshop, not only lauded the initiative but also recommended similar programs for the communities at large for dissemination of the messages of peace and outreach at the grass root level.
The first guest on show, Ms. Momina Afridi noted that the process of the cultivation of the virtues of tolerance, coexistence and cohesion should begin at home which is the breeding ground for responsible and proactive citizenship. The role of family and parents in this regard is more important than the society and varsities. “The two-days’ workshop has been a turning point in my life as I feel more confident and tolerant of diversity now”, she added.
The second guest on show, Mr. Saleem Khan said that the peace and cohesion require acceptance of fundamental human rights, different opinions, equal citizenry and adherence to rule of law. There is a dire need to educate the youth in the tolerance perspectives and virtues of mutual respect. The Ulasi Taroon initiative is need of the hour and CRSS has taken a major stride to promote cohesion in the society. We hope that it continues in the future too – given the crucial role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution – as it attempts to inculcate the youth with responsible citizenship. “We are taught philosophies and theories in the universities but we need to be equipped with practical knowledge and tools to take steps to promote peace”, he concluded.
“We need to be positive thinkers and respect everyone in the society regardless of their religion and culture. First, we are humans and then we belong to any religion. Everyone has an equal importance in the society, thus we should respect the opinions of all”, Ms. Mehreen from Mardan, another participant of Ulasi Taroon workshop said in 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.