All volunteers were and are treated with respect and dignity — including their health, safety, and medical care. Allegations to the contrary are simply not true.
These are stories and experiences shared by the artisans themselves on social media platforms, showcasing their visits to BAPS sites, their pride in their work, and their positive experiences.
Artisans have freely shared their experiences visiting BAPS mandirs, participating in celebrations, and expressing their joy. Their posts demonstrate their own perspectives and freedoms as a part of the fellowship.
September 30, 2019 - 9/11 Memorial, NYC
Posted on his Facebook: Visit to US Treasury Building, Washington DC. We witnessed him traveling freely across America. His profile shows check-ins at Robbinsville NJ, Gandhinagar Gujarat, Bhusawar Rajasthan.
View Vinod Kumar's FacebookSeptember 30, 2019 - 9/11 Memorial, NYC
Posted on his Facebook: At 9/11 Memorial, New York City. He had his phone. He had freedom to visit NYC. He posted publicly for his family and friends to see.
View Brajesh Kumar's FacebookAug 25, 2020 — At Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, NJ
At Swaminarayan Akshardham, Robbinsville, New Jersey
View Facebook →September 3, 2019 - Statue of Liberty
Posted on his Facebook: Visiting the Statue of Liberty, New York. Also posted photos from a beach (Sept 8, 2019) and from an airport (Nov 29, 2019). These don't look like confined workers to us.
View Phool Chand's FacebookWe witnessed volunteer artisans making regular trips to India on their own. Some of us drove them to airports. They came back voluntarily, and no one can board an international flight without presenting their passport multiple times.
We saw volunteer artisans using cell phones, laptops, WiFi, and landline phones to call and video-call their families in India throughout their time on site.
We worked alongside volunteer artisans for 12 years. There was a daily on-site OSHA-certified safety officer, weekly safety meetings, protective equipment, and regular government safety inspections.
Medical Care: We know volunteer artisans were provided with health care. When someone got sick, they went to outside hospitals. At times, we ourselves took them there.
We want to be clear: anyone who has silicosis deserves proper treatment and full support — no exceptions. Volunteers spent different time periods at the site, including some artisans who were only onsite for a few months before 2021. More importantly, all volunteers were provided comprehensive personal protective equipment by BAPS, including masks.
Understanding the Nature of the Work: We are not talking about a site where the primary work was cutting large blocks of stone with heavy machinery. People were primarily engaged in placing already carved stone or shaping pre-cut stone panels using hand tools. This distinction matters before making serious claims.
