HERE'S A Krsna conscious project you might like to support or get involved in.
PROJECT
Sign On to Krishna (The Hare Krishna Group for Deaf People)
HEADQUARTERS
Bhaktivedanta Manor, outside London, England
PROJECT COORDINATORS
Bhakta Dinesh Sejpal, Bhaktin Kavita Kholi, Bhakta Chaten Darbar, Bhaktin Renata, Bhaktin Lisa, and Bhaktin Vishanti Ram
GOALS
1. To bring Krsna consciousness to deaf people.
2. To spread "deaf awareness" among devotees.
3. To train devotees to become interpreters for lectures, classes, and plays.
DETAILS
Bhakta Dinesh, who is profoundly deaf, has been coming to Bhaktivedanta Manor for thirteen years. About a year ago, determined to bring Krsna consciousness to deaf people, Dinesh formed Sign On to Krsna with the help of Bhaktin Kavita Kohli, who has full hearing but is proficient in sign language. Dinesh and Kavita felt the need to help deaf people who become frustrated when they come to the temple but find no one to communicate with them.
Bhaktin Kavita, who now interprets for deaf visitors, says, "Imagine what it would be like to come to the temple and not be able to sing, hear the chanting or lectures, or ask questions about Krsna consciousness."
Sign On to Krishna organizes Krsna conscious programs for the deaf, provides interpreters for lectures and plays, and teaches sign language to hearing devotees and guests.
For Janmastami 1993 the group produced ISKCON's first sign-language video, about the birth of Lord Krsna.
PLANS
Sign On to Krishna plans to produce a video introduction to Bhagavad-gita As It Is for Srila Prabhupada's Centennial, in 1996. The video will be sold through BBL Distributions Services Ltd., the U.K. agent for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.
Sign On to Krishna also plans to produce a picture dictionary of Krsna conscious sign language. The dictionary will show, for example, how to "chant" the Hare Krsna maha-mantra in signs.
OBSTACLES
Not enough hearing devotees interested and available to take part. Shortage of money to produce videos.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Offer encouragement and find out more about the group.
Send donations to help with video productions. The costs include buying equipment, hiring a recording studio, and casting for professional interpreters.
Buy videos produced by Sign On to Krishna.
If you live near London, attend the Sunday classes for the deaf at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
For more information, contact:
Bhakta Pradip
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Letchmore Heath, Watford,
Hertfordshire WD2 8EP
Phone: +44 (0923) 856269