Social Welfare in the Religions of Subcontinent a Critical Study

Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are among the major religions of Sub-continent. The present study highlights the fact that public welfare is preached by all of these religions. Giving alms for the sake of public welfare is an important part of various Hindu religious practices. The role of latest reformist movements is also worth mentioning along with the Hindu literature related with social well-being. Arya Sam฀j movement did many activities for the welfare of people. The founder of Buddhism made efforts for the betterment of mankind and used his religion and teachings to propagate public welfare. Buddhism rejected the caste system and played an important and effective role to minimize the sufferings of affected community. In this regard Islam rises to the highest pedestal as the topic of Holy Quran is Man. It focuses not only on the worldly success of man but also his success in the hereafter. Islam has gone a step ahead than other religions as the activities of public welfare are considered worship in it. The rights of human beings are given great importance and they are given no less importance than rights of Allah. Moreover, the Holy Prophet (S. A. W) took noteworthy steps for the welfare of whole mankind without any discrimination and these are highlighted in this paper. Islam also gives lineaments of the methods and modes of public welfare and goes beyond the other Semitic and non-Semitic religions in this regard. This paper explores and highlights the measures taken by the mentioned religions in a comparative manner and also proves that Islamic concept of social welfare is not only limited to human beings but it also enfolds other living beings and even plants. Islam provides a complete road map of public welfare. Islamic society not only progresses financially but it also focuses on spiritual, ideological and social progress. The aim of social welfare cannot be achieved unless equilibrium is maintained between rights and duties. Islam not only stresses on the rights of the weak but also safeguards the rights of the rich.

Influence of Professional Development Programmes on Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices: A Case of Two English Language Teachers from Gilgit-Baltistan

An increased emphasis is placed on the role of the teachers to cope with the rapid changing world. On the one hand, high importance is given to the professional development (PD) of teachers and on the other hand, a critical need exists to examine the influence of those professional development courses on teachers’ belief and classroom practices. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ongoing professional development on ELTs’ beliefs and practices in two private schools in Gilgit Baltistan, that undergone reforms through funded project. The study attempted to determine the influence of the programme on two English language teachers teaching beliefs and classroom practices. Both of the teachers had participated in different professional development courses and trainings. For this purpose, case study method was employed and the data were collected via semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, formal discussions, informal conversations and field notes. The data analysis revealed that both the teachers who had participated in the professional development programmes, demonstrated conceptual change about teaching and learning English, they displayed positive attitudes towards teaching and learning English and they have improved their teaching skills and classroom practices. The study found a complex and dynamic relationship between beliefs and practices. The teaching context and background were found as key factors that have greater influence on shaping beliefs and guiding teachers’ practices. Lastly, it was discovered that teachers’ personal capabilities and motivation play key roles in their development as a teacher. Finally, this study recommends that English Language teaching can be improved and made effective through providing professional development opportunities for the teachers.