WE had the review of the Annual Gurmat Parchaar Samelan 2011 on Feb 28. The Samelan 2011 team called it the After Action Review (AAR). Nice. We had some 80 concerned members of the Sanggat, including representatives from our Perak and Negeri Sembilan branches. Unfortunately, some members were unable to make it as they were actively involved in the udghatan (opening ceremony) of the Slim River and Petaling Tin Gurdwaras during the same weekend. So, we missed their invaluable feedback.
At about 3 pm, an Ardas was done and the review kicked off. The Samelan Secretariat made a power point presentation on the feedback gleaned from the 400 plus Samelan participants who had returned their duly completed Samelan Feedback forms. A good 82% rated the overall Samelan Programme as ‘Very Good/Good’. Approx 2% were unhappy; the balance 16% rated it as ‘Fair’. From the Samelan organiser’s point of view, this 18% warranted a closer look. Why did this 18% not feel the Samelan Programme was ‘Good’? Their views needed to be heard to improve future programmes.
The Power Point presentation also shared with the Sanggat the findings of an Internal Review by the 20 - 25 member Youth Team who had planned and executed the Samelan Programme. This team's review produced the following conclusions:-
1. IPS Sessions -- The Inspiration Session (IPS), an integral part of past samelans, must be allotted time and frequency as in previous years. There was to be no cutback on this. Any attempt to replace this with other programmes, though intending to achieve the same objectives, was unwise.
2. The Soul Nation programme – Though not well received by senior members and parents, the Samelan Youth appeared to enjoy the sessions. In view of the feedback (and brickbats) received, in future, it should only be for a day. Perhaps in the evening as an optional activity rather than on primetime. And as the programme catered to a wholly Sikh audience, what was sung should cater only to Sikhs -- eg Shabads & perhaps Kavitas .
3. Darbaar Sahib -- The attempt to spice it up by calling it "Prayer Station" was poorly received. It was agreed to stick to the term Darbaar Sahib , which also reflects the sanctity of the place.
4. Mighties Carnival -- Some parents voiced strong reservations to this ‘carnival’, but other parents and almost all children thoroughly enjoyed it. This part of the Programme -- the jury is still out there. There is strong support for it. On the other hand, there are also some very vocal objections to it from parents. They are of the view that they send children to Samelans to learn Gurmat, not have fun. This will need a re-look for the next round. One parent emphasised that parents decide whether or not their children go to Samelans. Hence, their views should be given due weightage.
5. Utilities (including toilets) Sewa -- Some sewadars and parents, and interestingly, some participants too, asked that this sewa element in the camp be brought back. They would like participants to do it rather than farming it out to professional cleaning crew. Based on views expressed, there is certainly merit in the proposal to have participants do utilities sewa -- at least once a day. The experience of doing sewa, the joy of doing it, the humility it brings -- is irreplaceable. On the whole, it’s a humbling experience, especially for modern day children, some who neither lift a finger nor need to do so to help with household chores.
By and large, the above were the main Samelan Programme comments. There were other matters raised relating to administration which were taken note of and will be addressed in the coming year.
The Sabha Exco thanks all concerned parents, sewadars and participants who spared time, effort and incurred expense to attend and participate in the Review. A special thanks to the outstation members who made their way to answer the call to participate. All views expressed have been taken note of and will be given due consideration when planning future Samelan Programmes.
A sincere thanks from the Exco and a heartfelt thanks from your Jathedar.
