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The tradition of selfless service that built this mandir
What is Volunteerism?
Volunteerism is the practice of individuals freely giving their time, skills, and energy to serve others and their community without expectation of financial compensation. It embodies the values of compassion, selflessness, and civic engagement.
The Spirit of Service
True volunteerism transcends mere labor—it is an expression of human dignity, shared purpose, and spiritual growth. Volunteers choose to serve because they believe in something greater than themselves.
In the context of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, thousands of volunteers contributed their time, skills, and dedication to create a place of worship that will serve their community and preserve their cultural heritage for generations to come.
Key Principles: Volunteerism is freely chosen, performed without coercion, driven by faith or conviction, and enriches both the giver and receiver. It strengthens community bonds and exemplifies the best of human nature.
BAPS Relief Works: Decades of Compassionate Service
Thousands of BAPS volunteers — the same spirit of selfless service that built Robbinsville Akshardham — have responded to disasters and community needs across North America and the world for decades. Here is a glimpse of that record.
2001 · Disaster Relief · Gujarat, IndiaGujarat Earthquake Relief
Following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake, BAPS deployed over 6,000 volunteers across 409 villages — providing food, shelter, medical care, and rebuilding homes for tens of thousands of displaced families.
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2004 · Disaster Relief · South AsiaIndian Ocean Tsunami Relief
When the tsunami struck coastal India and Sri Lanka, BAPS volunteers delivered emergency supplies, rebuilt homes, and supported long-term rehabilitation for thousands of displaced families across affected regions.
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2005 · Disaster Relief · Louisiana & MississippiHurricane Katrina Relief
530 volunteers deployed across the Gulf Coast — serving hot meals, arranging shelter for thousands of displaced residents, and launching a walkathon fundraiser across 26 North American centers for Katrina victims.
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2021 · Disaster Relief · LouisianaHurricane Ida Relief
Volunteers deployed across Louisiana — distributing groceries, water, and cleaning supplies to nearly 5,000 families displaced by Hurricane Ida, from New Orleans and Hammond to Denham Springs and Jean Lafitte.
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Health & Community · North AmericaAnnual Blood Donation Drives
In 2022 alone, BAPS Charities organized 100 blood drives across North America — collecting 4,000 pints to potentially save 12,000 lives, in response to the worst blood shortage crisis in over a decade.
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Disaster Relief · Gulf Coast & East CoastHurricane Relief — A Continuing Commitment
From Sandy to Ida to Helene and Milton, BAPS Charities volunteers respond to every major hurricane — distributing food, water, and supplies to affected families.
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2020–2021 · Pandemic Relief · WorldwideCOVID-19 Community Relief
Across the globe, BAPS Charities distributed PPE to hospitals, delivered meals to seniors and first responders, ran vaccination drives, and donated over $200,000 to pandemic relief in India.
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Fundraising · North America"In the Joy of Others" Annual Walk-Run
BAPS Charities' annual Walk-Run events bring thousands together across North America, raising millions for hospitals, cancer centers, schools, and local charities.
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