LETTER
UK Gurdwaras Welcome Disabled
Harjinder Singh (UK)

March 14, 2003

I have been talking to the general secretaries of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall and Hounslow on the subject of wheelchairs in the Gurdwara. They both agree that handicapped members of the sangat should be able to pay their respect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and follow the proceedings in the divan hall.

We are very happy that these two important British Gurdwaras are willing to take the lead. But the problem we are facing is twofold. In some Gurdwaras the Parbandhak Committees try to keep wheelchair users out of the divan hall. But in many cases the problem is not with the committee members, but with sevadaars who make up their own rules, have their own private reht, which they reckon is more important than the Panthic Reht Maryada or the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Please talk to your local Gurdwaras, tell them about your concerns, and ask them what they are doing to accommodate wheelchair users. But after coming to an agreement with the parbandhak committees, keep an eye on what happens, and make sure that the sevadaars do not take the law in their own hands.

Of course it would help if the committees were to put up a clear notice in English (or any other local language) and Panjabi, telling wheelchair users their rights.

comment | go to top