Image Courtesy: @INSIGHTUK2
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has stated that it “did not request/demand that female staff be removed or hidden or be sidelined during the visit.” The clarification comes amid the controversy surrounding its delegation’s visit to the Eiffel Tower, with BAPS also sharing photographs showing both men and women among those present at the Tower.
BAPS said, “Both men and women were part of the visit. No women were prevented from visiting the Eiffel Tower as seen in this photo.”
Rejecting the gender-based narrative surrounding the visit, the organisation said the coordination for the delegation “was never, at any point, intended as a request rooted in gender”, adding that “any suggestion to the contrary does not reflect the spirit or values of our fellowship or the delegation.”
BAPS also stated that, to its knowledge, “no visitor or member of staff was denied access to the monument at any point during our visit.”
According to the press release, the BAPS delegation comprised close to 100 members. The visit was coordinated in advance with the Eiffel Tower’s management team and scheduled at the start of normal operating hours to minimise disruption to staff, other visitors and the site’s regular functioning.
BAPS said the coordination was undertaken “out of consideration for the Tower’s operations and logistics” and to ensure a smooth visit for a large group without inconveniencing the Tower’s employees or the public.
The organisation also said it remains firmly committed to the principles of equality, mutual respect and service to all, regardless of gender, background or belief.
BAPS said it takes seriously the concerns expressed by Eiffel Tower employees and “sincerely regret[s] any inconvenience or discomfort caused to them as a result of the arrangements made for our group’s visit.”
It also thanked the Eiffel Tower’s management and staff for their cooperation and said it remains committed to engaging constructively with all parties as the matter is reviewed.
