Television News Segment of Prem Rawat's Visit to San Antonio
The following clip (with English transcript) is a segment from Univision Channel 41 "News of the Day" in San Antonio Texas. It describes Prem Rawat's visit to speak at the University of Texas (UTSA) forum "Peace on the Inside" on Thursday, January 26th, 2012. The program focused on the work of TPRF's Peace Education Program which has been operating a model initiative at a regional correctional facility. Mr. Rawat also spoke at that facility - Dominguez State Jail - on the previous day. See video below.
TRANSCRIPT IN ENGLISH
(after studio introduction)
Reporter: Very good afternoon. The program was created by the world recognized Ambassador of Peace, Prem Rawat who, through his Foundation, initiated this program in jails in 10 countries. And from what is being said, it is already bearing fruits.
Rene: The experience was difficult for me, but I was looking for solutions when I was there. I didn’t want to live the way I had been living in the past.
Lisandro: I felt that there was no hope for me. That there would be no life. That everyone looked down on me.
Reporter: Renee and Lisandro had spent some time in jail. Both credit the Inner Peace course they attended while completing their term there, as the reason why they have not returned to jail.
Lisandro: They (the courses) taught me that peace is inside. They taught me how to find who I was. Since the time when I was a child. That innocence.
Reporter: The course was created by the Ambassador of Peace in the world, Prem Rawat.
PR: This has something to do with peace.
Reporter: “This has to do with dignity and peace and once you find it, prosperity finds you” said Prem Rawat who visited UTSA. TPRF initiated this PEP in 10 countries around the world.
Kathya (TPRF): It is a new message for them and they are beginning to discover something very beautiful.
Guard: Of more than 700 offenders who have gone through the program, only 3 have returned. This is a really low number, said the official. According to Dept. of Justice statistics the usual return rate is more than 50%.
Roberto: There are many who have left and have broken the cycle of 20 years in and out of jail and had not stayed away for more than 3 months. And now 3 years or 2 ½ years have passed and they haven’t returned.
Reporter: For people who believe there was no future, it has made all the difference.
Lisandro: It opened my eyes, mind and heart. That there is a better life for me. That is beautiful for me because I’ve never felt that before.
Reporter: This Peace Education Course will continue being administered at Dominguez State Jail. It does not count toward any credits toward any conditional freedom: it is only for personal growth. But until now, they’ve seen excellent results.
--end--
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