Workers at the Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, report serious health issues and allegations of exploitation during the construction process, raising concerns about labor practices and worker safety.
ROBBINSVILLE, New Jersey – The Baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, which proudly claims the title of the largest modern Hindu mandir outside India, has become embroiled in controversy as reports emerge from workers detailing allegations of abuse, unsafe working conditions, and health crises. Completed between 2015 and 2023, the sprawling 185-acre complex showcases intricate stone carvings sourced from Rajasthan, India, attracting visitors worldwide. However, beneath its breathtaking exterior lies a troubling narrative regarding the treatment of its builders.
According to court documents and labor advocates, at least two workers—Ramesh Meena and Devi Lal—have died from silicosis, a debilitating lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dust, a risk inherent in stone carving. Lal’s tragic death reportedly occurred while he awaited a lung transplant, underscoring the dire health implications faced by those who labored on the temple.
Worker Experiences and Claims
Many workers, primarily from the marginalized Dalit community in India, have come forward to share their experiences, though they requested anonymity to avoid retaliation. One former worker conveyed the harrowing reality of living with silicosis, stating, “A person would prefer committing suicide rather than dying from silicosis because it’s such a painful death.” This sentiment illustrates not only the physical suffering but also the emotional toll that such conditions impose on laborers.
Allegations indicate that workers endured grueling hours—up to 90 per week—while earning as little as $1.20 an hour. Reports suggest that passports were confiscated, severely restricting workers’ ability to communicate with their families back home. One worker lamented, “I saw my kids growing up on the phone,” reflecting the emotional strain of prolonged separation.
Furthermore, concerns regarding inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) have been raised. Workers reported being provided only surgical or cloth masks, rather than the N95 masks that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends for protection against harmful silica dust. This raises significant questions about compliance with occupational health standards and the prioritization of worker safety.
Legal Responses and Institutional Denials
The Baps organization has categorically denied all allegations made by the workers. Darshan Patel, a Baps volunteer and media representative, asserted in an email that the organization provided safe housing, meals, and medical care for the workers. He emphasized that their presence in New Jersey was known to and approved by federal, state, and local officials. “The allegations in the civil lawsuit are wrong,” Patel stated, further defending the workers’ treatment and the organization’s practices.
Patel framed the construction of the temple as an act of religious volunteering, a concept known in Hinduism as Seva, which translates to selfless service. However, some workers have contested this portrayal, arguing that the R-1 visa program—a non-immigrant visa for religious workers—was exploited to facilitate conditions that many now describe as exploitative labor.
In September 2023, the Department of Justice concluded a criminal investigation into the Baps organization without pressing charges. Nonetheless, a civil lawsuit against Baps, which was paused during the criminal inquiry, is set to resume, potentially bringing renewed scrutiny to the workers’ grievances.
Historical Context and Broader Implications
The experiences of these workers highlight broader systemic issues related to caste-based exploitation and labor rights in India. Gunjan Singh, a human rights attorney, pointed out that the historical roots of such exploitation can be traced back to various legislative efforts, including the Bonded Labor Act of 1976, which was designed to combat forced labor. However, Singh noted that enforcement of such laws remains inadequate, leaving many Dalit workers vulnerable to abusive conditions.
Silicosis is not only a significant health concern for workers in the United States but also a pervasive issue among lower-caste laborers in India. Advocacy groups have long campaigned for reforms, with the People’s Rights and Social Research Centre petitioning the Indian Supreme Court in 2006 to address labor rights and health issues related to silicosis. In 2024, the court expanded the scope of its inquiry to include the entire nation, signifying a growing recognition of these issues.
As the civil case progresses, workers are seeking compensation for the harm they claim to have suffered due to unsafe working conditions, alongside calls for an end to the R-1 visa program, which they believe has facilitated their exploitation. The plight of these workers raises critical questions about the intersection of faith, labor, and justice in a globalized economy. One worker poignantly remarked, “People appreciate the art but they don’t know the blood,” emphasizing the stark contrast between the temple’s beauty and the hidden struggles of those who contributed to its creation.
In summary, the allegations against the Baps organization highlight a pressing need for accountability and reform within labor practices, particularly concerning marginalized communities. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the often-unseen costs behind monumental constructions and the imperative to safeguard the rights and health of all workers, regardless of their background.
