On 10 April 2001, during a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons, London, many MPs discussed about the earthquake disaster in Gujarat. Dr. Rudi Vis, MP for Finchely and Golders Green (London), lauded the massive relief work conducted by BAPS.
In an official report published by the House of Commons, 'Parliamentary Debates', Dr. Rudi Vis said:
" I want to focus on the earthquake in Gujarat. I have met constituents of all faiths, races and backgrounds who have contributed in one way or another to many victims and loved ones of that horrible earthquake, which took place on 26 January 2001 ...
"Quite a few immediately went to India to help. Most of our schools helped with fund-raising in imaginative ways; temples, mosques, churches and synagogues sprang into action. I am honored to represent a constituency containing so many people who immediately went out of their way to help India in whatever manner they could think of and I am sure that I am not the only Member present with such constituents ...
" I also wrote to Ministers about the enormous work undertaken in India by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha who have provided food, medicine, clothing and many other necessities for the survivors of the earthquake. The distribution of relief material was the initial focus of BAPS; help was given to about 300 towns and villages by 6,500 volunteers, including doctors and many professionals. To give but one example, well over 1.5 million pouches of water have already been provided by BAPS. All the volunteers offer honorary services and the organization has zero administration costs - remarkable in itself - so every pound donated goes directly and in full to the relief of the sufferers.
At present, rehabilitation of the homeless is the focus for BAPS; there is an imaginative low-cost, sponsor-a-home scheme and a hospital with modern facilities is being constructed in Bhuj ...
"I had planned to say a few more things but as time is limited and other hon. Members want to speak. I shall point out only that if people want further information they should please consult the website - www. swaminarayan.org."