CHILD POLICY FOR CONGREGATION AND GURUKUL
This policy document outlines the guidelines and regulations for the well-being, safety, and proper conduct of all children connected with Gurukul and or congregation and also the conduct of the people dealing with these children to ensure a harmonious and secure environment
(Note: “Child/children” is meant for all males and females below 18 years of age)
Hostel facility
Children upto class 4 will be under supervision of mata ji’s only (subject to condition - Children appearing to be older as per physical build despite being in class 1-4 , to be considered above class4). Mata ji’s can sleep in the same hall where children are sleeping but separately
Children above class 4 will be under supervision of at least two seva karta from 8 pm till morning program. Seva karta should complete his morning activities in such a way that children do not remain unattended
Children upto class 4 will have a separate bathroom area (separate from ones above class 4) managed by mata ji’s.
One urinal facility should be attached with the sleeping area so that during the night children do not have to go to a distant place leaving them unattended and at the same time multiple children can not go inside the bathroom at night.
Mosquito Nets: All children must sleep under mosquito nets (macchar dani) to ensure protection from insects. Use Odomos or mosquito repellents if required
Every child should use his/her own gadda (mattress). Sharing of gaddas is strictly prohibited.
Adequate gap of around 1 ft.between gaddas to be maintained for personal space and comfort.
Bed sheets, bed cover, pillow cover etc should be cleaned once in a week
Childrens clothes should be washed daily. Undergarments for children above 4th standard should be washed and dried by them only. For children below or equal to 4 standards would be the responsibility of hostel management.
Washing and drying of clothes other than undergarments would be the responsibility of hostel management
Winter blankets should be put under the sun's heat, once a month.
Ventilation: Proper fan systems must be operational in all sleeping areas to provide a comfortable sleeping environment.
Care for Untrained Small Kids: (bathroom training): Only mata ji’s are responsible for the care and training of bathroom untrained small boys/girls until they are adequately trained.
No adult/elder male child or Seva Karta is permitted to take care of small untrained kids.
Prasadam at hostel
There should be a menu for the month approved by authorised person and followed religiously
There should be a time table for prasadam
One-on-One Interactions:
No Prabhu Ji is allowed to be alone with any child in any situation. this is true for medical treatments, tuitions, doubt solving etc
Counseling sessions for boys below 18 years should never be conducted alone by any Prabhu Ji.
No Seva Karta or Prabhu Ji is permitted to treat or engage with any child alone under any circumstances.
No prabhu ji is allowed to counsel any Mata ji student.
Visits to Devotee Homes:
No single kid is allowed to visit any devotee’s home if Prabhu Ji is alone at the residence.
Conduct and Behavior Guidelines
Respectful Treatment:
All forms of public harassment towards children are strictly prohibited. This includes verbal, physical, and any other form of abuse.
Disciplinary action should be carried out respectfully and appropriately, maintaining the dignity of the child.
No children can be employed for any service unless already defined or approved by authority
Conflict Resolution:
In cases of fighting or misconduct:
The child will receive up to three warnings.
If behavior does not improve after the warnings, the child may be sent back home as a corrective measure.
Pampering :-
Pampering of children e.g. pulling cheeks, nose or touching children including infants by a male, is not allowed.
Spiritual and Cultural Activities
While active participation in spiritual activities is encouraged, no child should be coerced. Gentle encouragement and education should be employed to foster interest and involvement. Children should be encouraged, but not forced, to participate in singing and dancing during Aarti ceremonies. Positive reinforcement should be used to motivate participation, respecting each child’s comfort and willingness.
Yatras/Spiritual Journeys/ Sankirtan:
Yatra form should bear consent of the parent of the ward to allow the ward to go alone (without the parents) for yatra.
Special security team of mata ji’s and prabhu ji’s to be formed for such children to ensure safety and involvement of the children during Yatra.
The security team will have no other service other than taking care of children during nagar kirtan or yatra
The security team will move place to place only when all the children without parents have gathered.
If any child is sick or injured then the child must be handed over to a responsible mata ji to take care and the rest of the children along with security team can move forward
Health and Safety
Medical Attention:
Immediate and appropriate initial medical treatment must be provided for any child exhibiting signs of illness or injury.
If the child’s condition does not improve with initial care, they should be taken to a qualified medical professional for further treatment without delay.
Hygiene and Sanitation:
Regular cleanliness must be maintained in all living and activity areas including bathrooms.
Children should be taught and encouraged to follow proper personal hygiene practices.
Dealing with hazardous element
Children are not allowed to deal with any electrical equipment including plugging or unplugging. However they can switch on and switch off.
No power sockets, boards, wires should be open. These must be maintained to safety by maintenance team
Transportation Policies
Use of Vehicles:
Trucks/open vehicles can not be used for transportation of children.
Alternative and safe transportation arrangements should be made for children whenever required.
Rickshaw etc which are not clothed can be used only in an adult companies the children
Hostlers can not be provided with any vehicle.
Local transit: for non vehicle movement of children
Child to be accompanied by an elderly devotee while local transfers within the colony, ( Mata ji’s with mata ji’s and Prabhu ji’s with prabhu ji’s)
Child should not be sent alone to local shops
Children's visits to local Parks should also be under guidance of a senior devotee.
At no place children should be unattended
Compliance and Enforcement
Awareness and Understanding:
All gurukul teachers, Seva Kartas, and Associated individuals must familiarize themselves with this policy document.
Regular training and orientation sessions should be conducted to ensure thorough understanding and compliance.
Reporting and Accountability:
Any violations of these policies must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
Strict disciplinary action will be taken against individuals found violating or neglecting these policies.
Review and Updates:
This policy document should be reviewed periodically to incorporate necessary updates and improvements.
Feedback from staff, parents, and children should be considered in the review process to ensure effectiveness and relevance of the policy.
For Gaurang Gurukul Students
Do’s
1. Be punctual for all gurukul activities – Morning Sadhna , Mangal Arti, Attending to respective classes as per time table
2. Maintain silence in the basement hall and during assembly as well as dispersing from assembly.
3. Behavior – be courteous and polite with co students and teachers, staff or parents.
4. Use a shoe rack for keeping footwear, arrange them in order. No shoes to be on floor
5. Movement to different classrooms should be very smooth and silent.
6. Be regular in attendance
7. Complete your homework on a regular basis.
8. Be in proper school uniform.
9. During free period – read book from library with permission from seniors
Health & Hygiene
1. Take a bath on a daily basis using soap. Apply hair oil daily before bathing. Once in a week hair shampoo should be applied. Take a bath after passing stool, cutting nails, and sleeping for more than an hour. While bathing children should wear U shape undergarments.
2. Brush your teeth properly and daily
3. Nails should be cut
4. Hair to be trimmed as per gurukul norms for prabhuji’s. This should be done in public, not in a bathroom or seclusion.
Cleanliness in Premises
1. Ensure that your surroundings are clean and tidy.
2. Do not litter in gurukul premises
3. Keep the toilets clean and in useable condition
4. Keep the water dispenser area dry and clean
5. Arrange the gaddis, mats properly
Don’t’s
1. Don’t go in prohibited area without permission
2. Don’t take any medicine without consulting seniors / doctor
3. Don’t use any type of chemical or acid in the premises e.g. toilet cleaner.
4. Don’t carry any sharp edged knife or tool without notice or permission of senior
5. Don’t ride any motorized vehicle e.g. scooter or car without valid driving license
6. Don’t deal with fire for cooking , etc. without permission from seniors
7. Don’t be physical or rude with anyone
8. Don’t bully any co student on the basis of appearance, caste, colour
Note : Any deviation from the above mentioned rules will attract punishment by school authorities in following order :
1. First occasion – warning by respective teacher
2. Second occasion – warning by 2-3 teachers
3. Third occasion – meeting with parents and HG Rukmini Jeevan Prabhuji
4. Fourth Occasion – rustication of student for one week
5. Fifth and final occasion – Expelled permanently from gurukul
This policy document is established to create a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment for all children at the Gaurang Gurukul. Adherence to these guidelines is essential for the collective well-being and spiritual growth of the community.
No male or female member of the society will interact with opposite sex member unless allowed by a senior member for a specific cause
No one can give lift to a mata ji in scooter or bike
Lift can be given in car only if there are more than one mata ji in the car.
No male or female member can visit in the house of a devotee of opposite sex when he or she is alone at home
If your service involves coordination with member of opposite of sex, please inform to community leader about it
The members can not appear in community events in improper clothes like cut sleeves, half pants, capris, deep necks or deep backs, tight and transparent clothes
Community members should avoids joint dinners as it leads to late night sleeping. We can have lunch and breakfasts together
Community members should strictly avoid outside packed foods, cold drinks, toffies, sweets etc. We have our bakery which provides for all our needs.