Prem Rawat Welcomed and Honored by Mayor of Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador, September 12, 2006 — 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.” He was invited to present his message of peace at this event held at the Teatro Nacional in Quito. Over 1,700 people from various cities in Ecuador, as well as from several neighboring countries, attended.

Prem Rawat, known also by the title Maharaji, captivated the audience with his simple straightforward style, stories, and examples. “The peace that you are looking for,” he said, “is in your heart. It is within you.”

One attendee said, “I am grateful for his helping me understand important things about life.”

“I feel very blessed to have met him and listened to him. Now I do not feel alone as a warrior of love,” stated another.

An indigenous Indian from the mountains explained, “I live in a remote place. This meeting was the most exciting in my life. He filled my heart with gladness and tranquility.”

Mrs. Margarita Carranco, vice-president of the Quito Metropolitan Council, read a declaration on behalf of the mayor:

“Paco Moncayo Gallegos, mayor of the Metropolitan District of Quito, and María Belén Rocha Díaz, general secretary of the Metropolitan Council, declare that Mr. Prem Rawat, head of the foundation that carries his name, a foundation that promotes peace, is honoring us with his presence in the city of Quito, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Centers. Prem Rawat has been instrumental in promoting peace worldwide for four decades. His message has been translated into 70 languages and listened to by thousands of people. Through his foundation he has spearheaded contributions that have provided potable water and sanitary systems, winning him an international award for outstanding humanitarian work. Our city and its authorities are very pleased with his visit here and declare Prem Rawat Quito’s illustrious guest and wish him a pleasant stay in the capital of the Republic of Ecuador.”

Mrs. Carranco said: “I feel very moved, because I personally feel that all of us here are seeking inner peace. Because when people have inner peace, they are able to first transform their personal life, then their work life, and then their public life. If we all did the same, we would transform this city, this country, this continent, and the entire world.”