It is preferred that a Gursikh not derive his income from Kirtan Seva and have other means of earning income. Having said that, if a Gursikh is a full time Parcharak and has no other source of income, then it is only fair if Panth takes care of his daily needs. This is what the Daswandh money is for. Daswandh is not used properly by Panth. Daswandh of Panth would be in billions of dollars a year but firstly many don't take out Daswandh and those who do take it out don't make concerted efforts for the betterment of the Panth.
We need quality Parcharaks including Kirtanis, Kathakaars and Granthis and if they are doing this work full time, it's only fair if Panth takes care of their families. They shouldn't have to worry about feeding their families and educating their children. They shouldn't have to worry about their basic needs e.g. food, shelter and clothing.
In case of Raagis and Kathakaars, the Gurdwara Sahibaans should give them salary instead of members of Sangat giving them $2 or $5 at the time they do Kirtan or Katha. This prompts them to speak in such manner that pleases the Sangat in general, instead of saying such content that is in accordance to Gurmat. They worry that if they say something contrary to the majority Sangat's belief, they may not get good offerings. This should change. Only a central authority or a an organization should give them salary and trivial offerings by Sangat should be stopped.
Today, a Parcharak does not dare to say in Sangat that it is wrong to cut hair or tie beard because he worries that he may not get good offerings.
We need intelligent, and devoted people joining the ranks of Parcharaks and this is possible only if the Parcharaks are not expected to live in poverty. Everyone, including Parcharaks, have families to take care of and if as Parcharak, one cannot take good care of the family, then competent people will not be motivated to take up this task full time. Why should an accountant, a civil servant, or even a clerk get better paid than an average Parcharak?
If we want to do Parchaar of Sikhi at a large scale, then we will have to employ better strategies to do so. The foremost thing to do is attract young, smart and devoted Gursikhs to take up Parchaar. Every city should have tens of Maskeens, Srinagars, and Pinderpal Singhs. There should be training lasting years to bring out good Parcharaks including Kirtanis, Kathakaars and Amrit Sinchaar Sevadaars. There should be specially trained Parcharaks for different countries to cater to the need of those countries e.g. Western countries etc. In order to take care of their family needs, their salaries should be better than civil servants and government employees.
But who will undertake this project? How will the change come about? Only Vaheguru jee knows. We have poor leadership. What to do...
Kulbir Singh
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥