Workers carved the largest modern Hindu temple in the west. Now, some have incurable lung disease | New Jersey | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/02/new-jersey-hindu-temple-lung-disease
The Guardian once again has indulged in its anti Hindu rhetoric. Kristine Villaneva’s article in the Guardian dated 2 April tries to malign and denigrade one of the most respected Hindu religious institutions, the BAPS Swaminarayan movement. In her article Kristine who is an American of Filipino origin accuses the BAPS of mistreating the artisans from India who helped build the magnificent Hindu place of worship in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
World leaders and politicians including presidents of US have praised the work of BAPS and its ability to create magificenr Hindu temples all over the world. The temples or Mandirs showcase an ancient civilisation whose craftsmen create awe inspiring places of worship.
However BAPS does not just build temples. It inspires tens of thousands people to lead spiritual lives and to serve those in need. BAPS runs hundreds of welfare projects in India and abroad. From school’s to hospitals to free food distribution and relief work during major disasters.
Kristine’s allegations of exploitation of the workers are malicious. She admits that the Department of Justice recently, ‘closed’ the criminal investigation without any charges that it had started against BAPS in 2021. Kristine tries to stir up the Caste issue. The artisans are portrayed as low Caste. The fact is that BAPS does not see anyone as high or low. All are equal in BAPS. And unlike Kristine’s claim no one is barred from BAPS Mandirs. The artisans are specialists in their crafts and the skills have been passed down through generations.
Every care is taken of the workers. It is the so called Human Rights lawyers and anti Hindu forces who are desperate to throw mud in the hope some of it will stick. It is an act of chicanery. There is a larger conspiracy whereby the revival of Hinduism has become problematic to anti Hindu forces.
Nitin Mehta MBE
3 April 2026
The Guardian once again has indulged in its anti Hindu rhetoric. Kristine Villaneva’s article in the Guardian dated 2 April tries to malign and denigrade one of the most respected Hindu religious institutions, the BAPS Swaminarayan movement. In her article Kristine who is an American of Filipino origin accuses the BAPS of mistreating the artisans from India who helped build the magnificent Hindu place of worship in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
World leaders and politicians including presidents of US have praised the work of BAPS and its ability to create magnificent Hindu temples all over the world. The temples or Mandirs showcase an ancient civilisation whose craftsmen create awe inspiring places of worship.
However BAPS does not just build temples. It inspires tens of thousands people to lead spiritual lives and to serve those in need. BAPS runs hundreds of welfare projects in India and abroad. From school’s to hospitals to free food distribution and relief work during major disasters.
Kristine’s allegations of exploitation of the workers are malicious. She admits that the Department of Justice recently, ‘closed’ the criminal investigation without any charges that it had started against BAPS in 2021. Kristine tries to stir up the Caste issue. The artisans are portrayed as low Caste. The fact is that BAPS does not see anyone as high or low. All are equal in BAPS. And unlike Kristine’s claim no one is barred from BAPS Mandirs. The artisans are specialists in their crafts and the skills have been passed down through generations.
Every care is taken of the workers. It is the so called Human Rights lawyers and anti Hindu forces who are desperate to throw mud in the hope some of it will stick. It is an act of chicanery. There is a larger conspiracy whereby the revival of Hinduism has become problematic to anti Hindu forces.
Nitin Mehta MBE
3 April 2026
www.nitinmehta.co.uk
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