Emilio Colombo, former president of the European Parliament; former prime minister of Italy
“As public servants, we all seek, each in our own way, to make the world a better place to live. There is one thing, however, that we cannot do, and that is to enable people to feel happy, at peace, content. What intrigued me in Prem Rawat’s message is that he speaks of the possibility for every person to find within themselves a peace and happiness that is not dependent on circumstances. Peace, he says, is within, and it can be felt; we just have forgotten how to get in touch with it. What I also find interesting is that he sees peace not just as the absence of war, but rather as a feeling within to get connected with, to cultivate for oneself. I see his message as pointing out to us that everyone must find peace for themselves first before helping to bring peace in the world—as sorely needed as it is. I am glad he is with us today.”
Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, vice president of the Republic of India
“I’m convinced that the people of India and from other countries need to embrace in their hearts Prem Rawat’s call to peace. For the last forty years, as a messenger of peace, he has been making a constant effort to teach a lesson of peace. I would like to express my heartfelt feeling towards him as a most trusted and respected person who takes a message of joy to society, and society puts it into practice. Doing so is the greatest success there can be in life. I want his message to reach the people around the world.”
Prof. Giulio Cossu, MD, president of the Italian Society for Cell and Developmental Biology; director of the Stem Cell Research Institute, Milan
“Prem Rawat’s message is simple and straight to the heart. He speaks in a unique and most valuable manner about real life, about how much there is to enjoy in life, and about how to appreciate what an incredible gift it is.”
Dr. Jaime Pages, former rector of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia; chief executive officer of the Universal Forum of Cultures, Barcelona, Spain
“Many people in this world speak of peace from different angles. Some speak of peace as a result of good socioeconomic policies or of a sound distribution of wealth. Prem Rawat speaks of peace from a perspective that is both original and intriguing. Rather than looking only to institutions or policies for creating peace, he speaks of a peace that, he says, each person is personally responsible for finding. His message is directed at each individual who comes to hear him, and the people who enjoy his message come from all walks of life.”
Karen Sendelback, president and CEO of Friends of the United Nations World Food Program
“In February, The Prem Rawat Foundation gave a substantial donation to support our tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia. The Prem Rawat gift provided critical food aid to 15,000 tsunami victims for the entire first month after the tragedy struck, literally saving these people’s lives. Thank you to Prem Rawat and the Foundation for their generosity towards the World Food Program.”
Pierre Weil, rector of the International University of Peace; recipient of the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education
“Prem Rawat, the International University of Peace grants you the title of Ambassador of Peace. You do not need any title because, from your heart, you labor to pursue your mission, to awaken and to spread peace in the hearts of all people, to help them find where peace is. But many people need to know who the Ambassadors of Peace are, and that’s the reason we give you this title.”
Senator Franco Marini, president of the Italian Senate
“Peace is a necessary condition for the evolution of mankind. The message of peace is a message that can reach everyone and be understood by everyone, regardless of ethical, religious, or political differences. This universal value of peace has been very well interpreted by Prem Rawat, who will bring his vision to today’s conference at the Senate.”
Helen Disney, president of the United Nations Association of Australia, Australian Capital Territory
“Prem Rawat’s message addresses in an original manner the areas of education for a culture of peace and the fundamental human right to happiness, understanding, tolerance, and solidarity—all essential elements for a thriving culture of peace. His view is that, while institutions can do a lot to promote peace, the primary responsibility for peace lies in the hands of each individual.”
Dr. Eduardo Padrón, president of Miami Dade College, Florida
“Prem Rawat’s message is one of hope and peace, and he has inspired millions throughout the world. Prem Rawat reminds us that magic begins with people, and it’s within each person. That the possibility of peace and the possibility of living a life to the fullest begins with recognizing the value of life itself. That is, in my opinion, the deepest learning and is certainly a curriculum for everyone.”
Fernando Mauro Trezza, president of the Brazilian Association of Community TV Channels
“While many television programs are special, some are essential. Words of Peace, which presents Prem Rawat’s message, is one of these unique programs. It makes an important contribution towards building a culture of peace in Brazil. The feeling within that Prem Rawat introduces people to is very important; it is very important to spread this feeling of peace to everyone in all Brazil. This program is a great contribution to the triumph of inner peace. Prem Rawat’s message has the potential to unite all Brazilians in inner contentment.”
Dame Laurie Salas, former vice president of the World Federation of United Nations Associations
“Peace, says Prem Rawat, is possible. His message is valuable, original, and profound.”
Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen, president of the United Nations Association of Malaysia; former Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Information; chairman of the Ethics Committee of the United Malays National Organization (Malaysia’s ruling party)
“Prem Rawat is an international speaker acknowledged for his profound message of peace, particularly inner peace and self-fulfillment. We at the United Nations Association of Malaysia and the United Nations Development Programme see his message as a true reflection of the hopes, aspirations, and ideals of the United Nations, whose aim is international peace and security. All encouragement and support should be given to The Prem Rawat Foundation for its noble efforts to spread the message of Prem Rawat, as well as to bring peace and happiness to the needy. Let us support the message of Prem Rawat, empowering us to generate the hope of peace in this world of despair. The foremost concern of the international community is peace. Prem Rawat says, ‘Peace is possible.’ Let us listen to his message.”
Simon Keyes, director of St. Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, London, UK
“Prem Rawat draws our attention to the universal character of our human thirst for peace. At heart, his message is simple and profound. Real peace, he says, is possible. In today’s volatile and unstable world, we need to be reminded that creating peace is not only a responsibility that each and every one of us must share as individuals and as citizens; Prem Rawat tells us it is an achievable task.”
Prof. D.P. Kothari, deputy director, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
“After reading articles and seeing videos about Prem Rawat and his message, I observe that he brings a message that it is every individual’s birthright to experience peace in this lifetime. He asserts that, in addition to fulfilling our obligations to society, we need to fulfill our ultimate obligation, which is to ourselves and to finding fulfillment in this lifetime. This message is remarkable in that it does not put the responsibility for peace on institutions or on others, but on each individual. He has been providing inspiration on this topic for decades and has received much acclaim.”
Professor Peggy Morgan, Mansfield College, Oxford University
“The Prem Rawat Foundation has honored our city by bringing here this evening a much respected and well-traveled teacher. And I presume that their choice of venue in one of our finest university buildings is linked to this as a place where truth and understanding are both taught and sought by old and young alike—by teachers and by their students.”
Richard Patten, member of the Parliament of Ontario, Canada
“The charter of UNESCO says, ‘Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defense of peace must be constructed.’ Little progress has been achieved towards making this vision a reality. Prem Rawat brings a message of peace. He speaks of a peace that is more than the absence of war. A peace that institutions cannot bring. To establish peace on the outside, he says, peace needs to be established first on the inside. He brings a remarkable message of hope.”
Datuk Dr. Ian Chia, secretary-general of the United Nations Association of Malaysia; former president of the Malaysian Institute of Directors; vice-chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Management
“It is indeed an honor to introduce such a distinguished man. Prem Rawat speaks about peace from the heart. He inspires and guides people to find peace from within and offers a simple yet profound message of peace.”
James Hahn, mayor, Los Angeles, California
“I commend you for your tireless, lifelong efforts to bring to people in the Los Angeles area and around the world a message of hope, and for providing them with inspiration and guidance to find peace within and live fulfilling lives. I am pleased to join with members of the community in recognizing your remarkable achievements and accomplishments throughout the years. With best wishes in all your future endeavors.”
Clive Hildebrand, president of the Australian Institute of International Affairs
“Prem Rawat’s message is extremely simple, extremely easy to learn, and one wonders why we don’t learn it when we’re small and keep it going that way. The secret of civil society seems to be no secret.”
Professor Dr. Surapon Nitikraipot, chairman of the Board of Trustees and rector of Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand; president of the Alumni Association
“Throughout time, leading thinkers, academicians, and government leaders have attempted to develop an understanding of how to build peace. Many approaches have been explored, all attempting to create favorable conditions for peace. These solutions have drawn from economics, history, international law, comparative peace studies, conflict resolution, political science, sociology, anthropology, and more. Prem Rawat’s message of peace is rooted in the need for each person to find peace within themselves. He emphasizes that whether our search is for world peace or for personal peace, we very much need to look at the search for peace as a personal quest, rooted in an understanding of who we are. ‘When people in the world are at peace,’ he says, ‘the world will be at peace.’”
Paul McDonald, executive director of the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia
“It’s not possible in a few words to convey the breadth of Prem Rawat’s achievements. Or, indeed, what he has to offer in the context of peace. While we tend to first look to institutions to bring peace, Prem Rawat says we need first and foremost to look within. His message is original and profound.”
Manu Leopairote, permanent secretary of the Thai Ministry of Industry; chairman of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand
“Prem Rawat travels the world bringing people a unique message of hope and peace, which deserves to be heard with great attention.”
Professor Ron Geaves, Chester University, introducing Prem Rawat at Oxford University
“Over the years, I have come to admire Prem Rawat’s passion for existence, and I remain enthused by the content of his message in my own personal growth as a human being. It has had a significant impact—sometimes a source of strength when required, sometimes a force for stability when everything else shifted. And I must confess that, even in my career, it has helped me develop a worldview that underpins my thinking and writing.”
Dato Professor Dr. Hashim Yaacob, vice-chancellor, University of Malaya
“Prem Rawat’s message is intriguing in that he looks at peace primarily as an individual experience of inner fulfillment that can and needs to be discovered by each person for themselves. He maintains that if each person responds to an innate calling for peace, peace for them and for this world is possible. Peace, he says, is already in the heart of each person and needs to be discovered. ‘When people in the world are at peace,’ he says, ‘the world will be at peace.’ His message of peace is original in nature and singular in the possibilities it introduces.”
Dr. Díaz, vice-rector, University of Salamanca, Spain
“I am impressed by the depth of his ideas, of his message. He speaks about peace from a very original and unique perspective. We are used to hearing speeches about peace. We usually tend to leave peace in the hands of governments or political organizations. Prem Rawat speaks about peace from a different perspective—more precise, more human—and he stresses the significance of each human being in the pursuit of world peace. I find great merit in his message, and it is my pleasure to ask him to deliver the keynote address at ‘Peace Is Possible,’ the first conference on peace at this university.”
Dr. Arnaldo Jardim, member of the Federal Congress, Brazil
“I find Prem Rawat’s message to be interesting, simple, from the heart, and relevant for all human beings. We would like to see more of his message on television for many more years to come.”
Naveel Jindal, executive chairman of Jindal Power & Steel; president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry; member of Congress
“I am impressed by his message. His message is a message of peace. A peace that can be found within every person. In a recent address at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, he said that it is people that need to be at peace. And that when people are at peace, there will be peace in the world. He offers inspiration to those interested in making inner peace a reality in their lives. Many people speak of peace, and yet there is more to his message than just words. I had the good fortune of meeting him in person a couple of weeks ago. We had a substantial and enjoyable conversation. I found him to be a warm and delightful person and found his insights to be most helpful.”
Neil Evans, former chief information officer of Microsoft Corporation
“Prem Rawat provides enlightened leadership on the path to self-knowledge. He helps people gain most valuable insights into life and has helped me gain such insights into my own life.”
