Gurbani Kirtan - Disabilities

[simran345]

 

I wonder if Gurdwaras could encourage or hold classes/sessions for those with health conditions or disabilities. 

What are your thoughts on this? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[simran345]

Oh my God, so many replies.  It's going take me 2days to read them. Ok calm down, don't all reply at once, take your time ?

[Guest Jacfsing2]

Gurdwaras should encourage it, do we expect them to do this? No. Gurdwaras need to be doing that which helps anyone in the form of Seva.

[jkvlondon]

there has been a long standing tradition of soorma kirtaniyas throughout our history so I do not see why not . It may be difficult for less able bodied to sit for long periods so maybe teach them where they can be seated on chair/wheelchair with the instruments supported at correct height .

[simran345]

12 minutes ago, jkvlondon said:

there has been a long standing tradition of soorma kirtaniyas throughout our history so I do not see why not . It may be difficult for less able bodied to sit for long periods so maybe teach them where they can be seated on chair/wheelchair with the instruments supported at correct height .

That's what I was thinking penji, as if the classes are held in Darbar Sahib then there will be a problem regarding sitting etc.  But it would be nice to see them integrate with normal able bodied sangat too, so maybe have the classes together. 

 

15 minutes ago, Jacfsing2 said:

Gurdwaras should encourage it, do we expect them to do this? No. Gurdwaras need to be doing that which helps anyone in the form of Seva.

I was thinking there's lots of people with health conditions sitting at home probably watching tv and I think it's a good idea if they are also encouraged to mix with normal sangat and encourage them to attend Kirtan and musical instrument classes, as part of the sangat.  Why shouldn't Gurdwaras encourage it, where it is for normal bodied sangat? This will also help them connect to Sikhi, and learn Gurbani.  Whether you like it or not, they are also part of the sangat.  

Obviously, disabled people would only do what they can manage within their limits, but I feel they should be encouraged to also participate where possible. 

[jkvlondon]

1 minute ago, simran345 said:

That's what I was thinking penji, as if the classes are held in Darbar Sahib then there will be a problem regarding sitting etc.  But it would be nice to see them integrate with normal able bodied sangat too, so maybe have the classes together.

 

I was thinking there's lots of people with health conditions sitting at home probably watching tv and I think it's a good idea if they are also encouraged to mix with normal sangat and encourage them to attend Kirtan and musical instrument classes, as part of the sangat.  Why shouldn't Gurdwaras encourage it, where it is for normal bodied sangat? This will also help they connect to Sikhi, and learn Gurbani.  

you could in theory have sections to the stage(top) which can be removed to fit in the wheelchair/seat for the kirtaniya to be same level as the other people on stage , it's not really rocket science . As for cleanliness then just keep wheelchairs for this purpose on hand .

[simran345]

1 minute ago, jkvlondon said:

you could in theory have sections to the stage(top) which can be removed to fit in the wheelchair/seat for the kirtaniya to be same level as the other people on stage , it's not really rocket science . As for cleanliness then just keep wheelchairs for this purpose on hand .

Yes, that's all fine in theory, but maybe it will be more difficult in practice.  But if the article above as suggests Guruji also encouraged it, then Gurdwaras should also too, but then there's the costs of making adjustments, which I can't see committees doing. 

[jkvlondon]

Just now, simran345 said:

Yes, that's all fine in theory, but maybe it will be more difficult in practice.  But if the article above as suggests Guruji also encouraged it, then Gurdwaras should also too, but then there's the costs of making adjustments, which I can't see committees doing. 

Maybe you can just  secure the promise from committee that it will be allowed then do a direct  benti to sangat , maybe they will offer services for free for conversion of stage and fund the chairs , have faith in sangat.

[simran345]

5 minutes ago, jkvlondon said:

Maybe you can just  secure the promise from committee that it will be allowed then do a direct  benti to sangat , maybe they will offer services for free for conversion of stage and fund the chairs , have faith in sangat.

I would also like to see more Heath awareness sessions being held at the Gurdwaras, for all sangat, not just those with health conditions and disabilities.

Some Gurdwaras are starting to hold sessions of these and having talks, which creates awareness and gets them involved in sangat environment too.  

 

Saw this on FB, think it's a great idea:

 

[InderjitS]

1st time I've seen this post, what a fantastic idea. Be worth approaching local committee to see if they are willing to support this initiative. Aside from soorma Singh's teaching and performing kirtan and Prof Surinder Singh who walks with a stick, all other kirtanis I've come across have been able bodied.