Happy Roy from Netrokona
A two-day workshop on diversity, interdependence and pluralistic society was recently held at BARCIK’s conference room at Rameshwarpur in Netrokona arranged by BARCIK. The workshop was attended by representatives of youth organizations from various areas of Netrokona region and BARCIK officials. Syed Ali Biswas, director of BARCIK facilitated the workshop.
On the first day of the workshop, the session started with the introduction of the participants and patriotic songs sang together by the participants. Syed Ali Biswas then discussed on the theme of ‘diversity’. He said, ‘Diversity is the difference among all life forms and uniqueness in each of the life and thing. Without diversity, the environment becomes extinct.’ He also discussed about the different types of diversity.
After the discussion the participants were divided into 5 groups and drew pictures of Haor, Rivers, Plains, Forests and Hills. Participants try to illustrate how each of the surrounding areas contributes to the livelihood of the people by drawing pictures and how each element is related to each other. At the end of each group presentation, the facilitator discusses the relationship between the environment and the interdependence of plants and animals.
However, on the second day of the workshop, Syed Ali Biswas discussed about the contribution of plants and animals to the basic needs of human beings. He said, ‘Different professions have emerged through the use of different elements of nature. Using different elements of nature, some have become farmers, some have become fishermen and some have become potters. He said that humans make the proper use of their intellectuality and knowledge to ensure the sustainability of each the elements of the nature so that they collect resources to uphold their livelihoods. Again, if there is no diversity, there will be inequality in the society. Plants and animals will become extinct. There will be a food crisis.
Mr. Ali mentioned that every element of nature is dependent on each other and the same case happens in case of professions. Every occupational groups depend on each other for their survival and wellbeing. Human beings cannot live alone. They have to depend on many for their livelihood. However, while discussing on pluralistic society he said that a pluralistic society will be formed only when the interests, needs, respect, beliefs, etc. of different occupational groups coexist.
At the end of the two-day workshop, participants made recommendations to BARCIK for organizing such training workshop in near future so that they could learn more. They also said that they have learned a lot of new things participating in the workshop.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin