Pingalwara: In Letter & Spirit

Date of Defense

4-20-2017

Date of Graduation

4-2017

Department

Interdisciplinary Health Programs

First Advisor

Michelle Suarez

Second Advisor

Ben Atchison

Abstract

India is known to be one of the least inclusive countries with regards to individuals with disabilities. The value of life is significantly degraded when individuals are born with or acquire disabilities during their lifetime. Amongst the bigotry and prejudice in a place like India, the All India Pingalwara Charitable Society, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India, has provided an inclusive and loving environment for such individuals.

Pingalwara is an institution which provides housing and cares for individuals who have been abandoned due to their disability, age, and/or sex. The documentary, “Pingalwara: In Letter & Spirit”, is a short film which provides an education overview of the social and political context that contributes to the stigma attached to individuals with disabilities in India. Additionally, this film will provide the viewer with an understanding of the current conditions for such individuals, a background of the history of Pingalwara and Bhagat Puran Singh Ji, the founder of Pingalwara and lastly, the current conditions of Pingalwara.

The Pingalwara organization has been blessed to receive worldwide support and recognition for its philanthropical work. Now, Pingalwara needs professionals from various healthcare fields to help guide stuff and support the residents of Pingalwara. The lack of facilities for individuals with disabilities has lead to a significant decrease in the quality of life for such individuals. This is because there are very few clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, pediatric and geriatric specialists that can pave the way for mental health and rehabilitation in India. Therefore to combat this bigotry and prejudice, it becomes the duty of everyday citizens to lend a helping hand and inspire change. The beginnings of Bhagat Puran Singh Ji’s love and humility to care for others was the small spark that is still challenging the stigma of India’s citizens.

To view “Pingalwara: In Letter & Spirit” with closed captioning, please visit this Youtube link as the file found here could not be closed captioned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qi2bHuhI6k&feature=youtu.be

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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