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.

Studies on Abundance and Diversity of Copepods from Freshwaters

Present study was conducted to explore the abundance and diversity of copepods from fresh water bodies of District Gujranwala Punjab, Pakistan. Sampling was done on monthly basis for the period of one year from October 2011 to September 2012. Physico-chemical parameters of waters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, transparency and turbidity were determined and their relation with copepod population was also noted. Copepods showed a positive correlation with temperature, pH, conductivity, total, dissolved solids, total hardness and turbidity except dissolved oxygen and transparency. Analysis of variance of all parameters showed significant difference (p<0.05) except pH. Copepod samples were also taken monthly with plankton net having mesh size 70 µm. After isolation copepods were counted in a Sedgwick rafter chamber or cell at 60-100x magnification using inverted Olympus microscope. Photographs were taken with microscope LAICA 50/50 with 5 megapixel camera fitted on it. The shape of body, segments of antennae, urosome and caudal rami were observed for identification of copepods up to species level. Total 28 copepod species belonging to 13 genera and 3 families were identified. This study is the first attempt to analyze the copepod fauna of District Gujranwala Punjab, Pakistan while 17 species were newly reported from Pakistan. During study density and diversity of copepods remained high in summer and low in winter. Mesocyclops was the dominant genus and Mesocyclops edax was the dominant species at st.1, 2 and 4 while genus Eucyclops and Eucyclops agilis species was dominant at st.3. ANOVA of copepods of four study stations showed significant results (p<0.05). Cluster analysis divided the copepod data into groups or clusters on the basis of their abundance. Species present in one cluster were more similar in their abundance as compared to species of other clusters. Principal component analysis showed correlation among the species and sampling months.