TPRF announces that: Prem Rawat received the distinction of
"Illustrious Guest of the City" of Quito, Ecuador, during an event called
"Forty Years for a Culture of Peace." And that: " Margarita Carranco,
vice-president of the Quito Metropolitan Council, read a declaration on
behalf of the mayor of the Metropolitan District of Quito, and Maria Belen
Rocha Diaz, general secretary of the Metropolitan Council." TPRF also
refers to the fact that Quito is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Centres.
The organisers of the event are not identified, nor are those who
'invited' Prem Rawat, neither is the extraneous reference to UNESCO given
any relevance.
23. September 2005
The Prem Rawat Foundation: Knoxville Welcomes Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF claims that local leaders(sic), academics and students from the
University of Tennessee attended an event organised by Rawat's followers -
this based on one Rawat followers participation - Melissa Mannn an English
teacher.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the United Nations. The name and authority of
the University of Tennessee.
22. July 28th 2005
Prem Rawat addresses distinguished audience at Oxford University
Source
Prem Rawat speaks at a venue at an Oxford College that has been hired by
TPRF/Elan Vital - TPRF claims that members of the faculty and students are
present despite the event taking place in the middle of the summer recess.
The event is presided over by Peggy Morgan an academic and fellow member
of the British Association for the Study of Religion with Rawat
hagiographer Ron Geaves who also speaks at the event..
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of Oxford University, the name and authority of
Mansfield College, the name and authority of the Oxford Research Centre,
the name and authority of University Wales Lampeter, the name and
authority of the Alistair Hardy Research Centre, the name and authority of
the International Interfaith Centre in Oxford.
21. June 28th 2005
Governor of New Hampshire honors Prem Rawat
Source
John Lynch, Governor of New Hampshire, issues a commendation to Prem Rawat,
allowing TPRF to issue a press release that claims: “This
commendation is indicative of the growing recognition that Prem Rawat is
receiving around the world. His efforts toward spreading a message of
peace and spearheading humanitarian initiatives are growing and are
rightfully being noticed and honored.”
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the Governor and State of New Hampshire.
20. June 24th 2005
Prem Rawat addresses special United Nations 60th Anniversary event
Source
TPRF claims that Prem Rawat is invited to speaks at an event organised by
the privately run United Nations 60th Anniversary Committee. The event is
paid for by TPRF, the United Nations 60th Anniversary Committee is a
creation of Prem Rawat's followers.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the United Nations, the name and authority of US
President Harry S. Truman. The name of the UN Association of Northern
California and its President Astrid Stromberg.
19. June 16th 2005
San Francisco Mayor honors Prem Rawat, declares Prem Rawat Day
Source
Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco, issues a proclamation honoring Prem
Rawat,, and declared Prem Rawat Day, allowing TPRF to issue a press
release that states: “This recognition bestowed by Mayor Newsom on
behalf of the people of San Francisco honors Prem Rawat at a time when he
is in San Francisco bringing his message of peace at a special event held
by the UN 60th Anniversary Committee in the same hall where the UN Charter
was signed 60 years ago."
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the Mayor and City of San Francisco, The name
and authority of the UN.
18.
June 16th 2005
Miami Dade College welcomes Prem Rawat, who gives $25,000 to World Food
Programme and receives Key to the City of Miami
Source
Prem Rawat is invited to speaks at an event organised in the name of Miami
Dade College, sponsors of the event include Real Estate company Grubb
Ellis whose e-mail address is given by legitimacy project co-ordinator
Richard Cooper as a contact for those wishing to assist the legitimacy
project. .
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the Miami Dade college. The name and authority
of the City of Miami and its Mayor, Manny Diaz, the name of the World
Food Programme.
17. May 17th 2005
Leading Thai University Welcomes Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF claims that Prem Rawat is invited to speak by leaders of Thammassat
University. President of the Economic Faculty Alumni Association of
Thammasat, Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Industry, and
Chairman of the Thailand Petroleum Authority, Manu Leopairote is reported
as saying: “Thammasat University has a long history of providing a
forum for different voices with a significant message that, each in their
own way, helps people live happier, more prosperous lives. In line with
this long tradition, we are gathered tonight to hear from Prem Rawat. He
travels the world bringing people a unique message of hope and peace,
which deserves to be heard with great attention. We are pleased that he
accepted our invitation.”
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the Thammassat University. The name and
authority of the Thai Ministry of Industry, the name and authority of the
Thailand Petroleum Authority, the name of. Manu Leopairote.
16.
April 2005
United Nations' Kofi Annan Sends Best Wishes for Event With Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF
claims that Prem Rawat is invited to speaks at an event organised by the
privately run United Nations Association of Malaya. By some obscure
process the General Secretary of the United Nations is peripherally
involved allowing TPRF to publish press release that associates Kofi Annan
with Prem Rawat.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the United Nations. The name and authority of
the General Secretary of the UN, the name of Kofi Annan.
15.
January 12th 2005
Mayor
of Los Angeles Honors Prem Rawat
Source
The
Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, awards Prem Rawat 'A Certificate of
Commendation' on the basis Rawat's "tireless, lifelong efforts to bring
to people in the Los Angeles area and around the world a message of hope,
and for providing them inspiration and guidance to find peace within and
live fulfilling lives". The source of the Mayor's information is not
stated.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of Mayor James K. Hahn. The position and authority of the Mayor
of the City of Los Angeles.
14.
January 12th 2005
Governor of
Michigan
honors Prem Rawat's message of peace
Source
Jennifer
M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, has issued a proclamation
honoring "Prem Rawat’s efforts to increase the public’s awareness of inner
peace and contentment; his exemplary career, life accomplishments, and
many contributions to citizens." No information is available as to who was
responsible for informing Governor Granholm about Rawat's "exemplary
career, life accomplishments, and many contributions to citizens." Nor
is there any indication what the Governor believes these might be.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm The position and authority of
the Governorship of the State of
Michigan.
13.
January 10th 2005
Governor of the State of
New Mexico
honors Prem Rawat's achievements
Source
Bill
Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, has issued a tribute to
Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji, in recognition of his accomplishments.
According to TPRF The Governor’s tribute says: "The Governor of the
State of
New Mexico,
having learned of the outstanding achievement and exceptional
accomplishments of Maharaji, does hereby extend congratulations and
acknowledgement and further does herein direct that this official
expression of pride be forthwith sent on behalf of the people of the State
of New Mexico."
TPRF does not state who was responsible for informing Governor Richardson
about Rawat's outstanding achievement and exceptional accomplishments
nor is there any indication what the Governor believes these might be.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of Governor Bill Richardson. The position and authority of
the Governorship of the State of
New Mexico.
12.
November 29th 2004
Words
of Peace by Prem Rawat receives TV Award in Brazil
Source
The
Brazilian Association of Community Television Channels has given its
highest award to Words of Peace, a weekly program featuring highlights
from the message of peace of Prem Rawat. According to TPRF: The award
was presented in Sao Paolo during a gala dinner attended by 1,200 heads of
media organizations, business leaders, and representatives of the state
and federal government. TPRF neglected to point out that numerous
other awards were made to other programmes.
Exploited Opportunity:
Association with heads of media organizations, business leaders, and
representatives of the state and federal government.
11.
November 6th 2004
Prem
Rawats message hailed as truly remarkable by
Deputy Director of IIT
Delhi
Source
TPRF
claims that Rawat is invited by National Resource Centre for Value
Education in Engineering to speak at the Indian Institute of Technology
where he addressed "an audience of faculty, guests and students" .
The TPRF press release goes on to explain:
IITs
have produced the likes of Victor Menezes, vice-chairman of Citibank;
Rajat Gupta, managing director of McKinsey; Vinod Khosla, General Partner
at the leading Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins
Caufield & Byers; US Airways chief Rakesh Gangwal; Nandan Nilekani, CEO of
Infosys; and many others.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of IIT and the NRCVEE. The names of numerous ITT
alumni who have not even the remotest connection to Prem Rawat.
10.
August 9th 2004
Prem
Rawat Brings Message of Peace to Harvard University's Sanders Theater
Source
Prem
Rawat speaks at an event described as being "sponsored by The Prem
Rawat Foundation" held at Harvard University's Sanders
Theater. The 'faculty', community leaders, guests, and students
are claimed to be present and the names of a number of historic
speakers are invoked - Many of the most venerable academic,
political, and literary figures of the nineteenth and twentieth century,
including Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King
have taken the podium at Sanders Theater.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of
Harvard
University. The names of Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Martin
Luther King.
9.
July 2004
Prem
Rawat Brings Message of Peace to Members of Italian Parliament
Source
TPRF claims that Prem Rawat is invited to speak by members of the Italian
Parliament - [he] "addressed a distinguished audience of senators,
deputies, diplomats, and government officials on July 7 in the Conference
Hall of the Italian Chamber of Deputies in Palazzo Marini."
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the Italian Parliament. The name and authority
of former prime minister Emilio Colombo who introduced Rawat at the
meeting and whose career was prominently featured in the TPRF Press
Release.
8.
June 2004
Prem
Rawat's Message Hailed as 'Unique' by Chief Executive of Universal Forum
of Cultures
Source
Prem
Rawat speaks at an event that TPRF claims, is endorsed by the
Universal Forum of Cultures and that The Forum has promoted Prem Rawat's
visit as an 'associated event', which according to TPRF is " a coveted
label reserved for events directly related to a core theme of the Forum".
The TPRF press release says:
For
Linda Pascotto, President of The Prem Rawat Foundation: "Prem Rawat is a
leading voice for peace and we are pleased that the Forum, which seeks to
establish a culture of peace throughout the world, decided to join forces
with him."
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of the Universal Forum of Cultures, the name of UNESCO -
United Nations Education Science and Culture Organisation, and the name of
the UFC, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Pages. Appropriation of the
principles and values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
7.
February 28th 2004
Business, government and community leaders welcome Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF
claims that Prem Rawat addresses more than 1,100 community, government and
business leaders at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai. The
Sherrif of Mubai, in remarkable agreement with the Vice Rector of
Salamanca University, is reported to find Prem Rawat's message to be
'noble.' According to the TPRF press release:
He
[Rawat] was welcomed by Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti, President of the Indian
Merchants Chamber, India's oldest and most respected chamber of
commerce. From Jawarhalal Nehru to Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and
Mahatma Gandhi, who was a honorary member, the Chamber has a history of
association with most eminent personalities. Mr. Haribhakti, welcoming
Maharaji, expressed how impressed he was by the extent of the
recognition that Maharaji has received throughout the world. Mr.
Haribhakti praised him for having touched the lives of countless
individuals, rich and poor alike, regardless of their beliefs or
position in society.
Dr.
Hegde, the Sheriff of Mumbai, also a former director of the Terna
Medical College and of the Patil Dental College and a member of the
executive council of Mumbai University, expressed that we all long to
find peace, joy, fulfillment regardless of circumstances. He said that
he found Maharaji's message to be unique, interesting, simple and from
the heart, and thanked him for taking time from his busy schedule and
for offering a noble message of hope and peace.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of the National Centre for Performing Arts. The name
of Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti and the position of President of the
Indian Merchants Chamber, the name of the IMC and most
significantly its past associations, Jawarhalal Nehru, Indira
Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi ! The name of Dr. Hegde, and his
positions as the Sheriff of Mumbai, former director of the Terna Medical
College member of the executive council of Mumbai University.
6.
February 19th 2004
Business, government and community leaders welcome Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF
claims Rawat was invited by Young Leaders Forum of the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry to address more than 1,850 young
leaders(sic) at Sirifort Auditorium,
New Delhi.
No record of this conference exists outside of the TPRF press release.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and cache of the Young Leaders Forum, Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce and Industry
5.
February 17th 2004
Business, government and community leaders welcome Prem Rawat
Source
TPRF
claims Prem Rawat addresses a meeting at the Indian Habitat Hall, New
Delhi: in a hall filled to capacity, he addressed a group of
distinguished members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the
international media and government and business leaders. The IHH
Calendar makes no reference to the event and it appears simply that
Rawat's organisation hired the venue for a private event.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of
the innovative IHH and combined professional status of an invited but
unnamed audience.
4.
June 30th 2003.
Prem
Rawat's Message of Peace Hailed as "Noble" at Salamanca University Peace
Conference
Source
Prem
Rawat is claimed in a TPRF press release to have delivered the keynote
speech at a Conference entitled 'Peace is Necessary'. No programme for the
conference is published and no names of any other speaker is recorded.
The 'capacity' involved is not recorded nor the percentage of
the audience comprising Rawat's ardent followers. The TPRF press
release claims "His keynote address was delivered before a capacity
audience that included members of the senate, of the congress as well as
civic and business leaders".
Exploited Opportunity: The name of
Salamanca
University, the position of 'key note speaker' at a 'conference' and the
endorsement of Salamanca Vice Rector D. Jose Maria Hernandez Diaz.
3.
June 18th 2003
Miami
Beach Mayor David Dremer honours Prem Rawat for contribution to city.
Source
Prem
Rawat is awarded 'The Keys' of
Miami Beach
by the City's Mayor - the basis for this award is apparently that Rawat's
organisations have arranged various conferences in
Miami Beach
and thus promoted tourism.
Exploited Opportunity:
The name of Mayor David Dremer. The position and authority of the
Mayor of Miami Beach.
2.
May 2003
Internationally-Known speaker, on college speaking tour, makes plea for
renewed focus on inner life as path to personal, world peace
Source
The Prem
Rawat Foundation, a Charitable Trust which promotes Rawat
underwrites the cost of Rawat speaking at venues hired from a number of US
Educational Facilities. TPRF claims of the NOVA SE event "Speaking
before a capacity audience of students, faculty and guests, Prem Rawat,
also know as Maharaji, questioned the modern obsession with external goals
as the path to personal happiness and fulfillment. TPRF does not
mention that the audience was almost entirely made up of his long time
followers.
Exploited Opportunity: The names of
Nova
Southeastern University, University of California at Berkeley and the
University of Colorado at Boulder.
1.
September 2002
Prem
Rawat's Elan Vital organisation hires the United Nations Hall Bangkok,
Thailand for a private function. Promotional material presents this as
Rawat speaking to the United Nations although the event was merely Rawat
talking to his followers. See
this link. (You need to scroll down to the first item under 'other
special events').
Video
Presentation: Give Peace a Chance
Saturday
March 29, 2003. Room 205. 7:00pm - 7:55pm
Prem Rawat addressing UN Delegates
in
Bangkok
Thailand, September 2002
Exploited Opportunity:
The name and authority of the UN. The emblem of the UN
