After the devastating earthquake, all the volunteers of BAPS started contributing their time and resources to collect funds and necessary materials for relief. Many dignitaries were impressed by this volunteer spirit.
US Senator Hon. Jon Corzine (D) attended large prayer services held in the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Edison on 11th Feb, 2001. He reviewed the relief work, encouraged the kids and youths who went to streets, subway stations and stores for funds and addressed the assembly to lend out a helping hand. He said, "The American citizens always respond to the call for help. What you are doing here in this temple will be needed more in the weeks to come. Your volunteers are really dedicated to this cause."
Mayor of Franklin Hon. Mr. Chivakula, Mayor of Mansfield Hon. Mr. Dalpat Patel, Secretary to the UN Peace Summit Mr. Bawa Jain, and other dignitaries were also present in the large mass of over 2000. At the end prayers were conducted in the traditional Hindu tradition of chanting the holy name.