CNA: What kinds of projects are you working on?

RC: We're looking to develop speaking opportunities that could help build the public's appreciation for Maharaji as a leading voice for peace. One example is the recent TPRF sponsored event at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre.

Followers of Prem Rawat hired a hall at Harvard University and "invited" him to speak there. They film the speech and possibly donate some money to a Harvard school so that a professor will introduce him to the audience. They then promote the "event" as "Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji, addressed an audience that included faculty, community leaders, and students at Sanders Theatre, Harvard University" to make it appear as if the famous, respected university has invited him to speak. Shame, Richard Cooper, Shame! Ten packs of the CD are available for purchase from The Prem Rawat Foundation for followers to buy and distribute, voila instant legitimacy(?).

Another would be Maharaji's presentation in Italy to the former Prime Minister and to members of the Parliament.

Followers of Prem Rawat hired the the former prime minister Emilio Colombo, 83, to introduce him and make a fulsome expression of admiration for the Armani-clad Rawat. It is uncertain how much cocaine Colombo had stuffed up his nose to inspire these sentiments and how much he was able to purchase with Rawat's legitimacy largesse. Possibly Mr Colombo was saving the money for his defense lawyers, but after all in the cesspit of Italian political corruption, there's little stigma attached to pushing your 83-year-old nose up Rawat's arse and bringing it out covered in Bolivian bullshitting powder. Ten packs of the CD are available for purchase from The Prem Rawat Foundation for followers to buy and distribute, voila instant legitimacy(?).

CNA: These would be introductory events, right?

RC: Not really. We have more to do with fostering recognition and enhancing Maharaji's legitimacy than with having more people become his students. Our efforts, for example, enable your newsletter to report about the Italian and Harvard events. Those are powerful statements about the legitimacy of Maharaji's work.

CNA: What is planned for the future?

RC: We're looking at some unique speaking engagements and at ways for Maharaji to be formally acknowledged for his work. A US Governor recently recognized Maharaji "in honor of his exemplary career, life accomplishments, and many contributions to [our] citizens". We'd like to pursue more tributes like that.

CNA: How do tributes like that come about?

RC: I work with people in North America who would like to see their city, state or university offer Maharaji some kind of award, letter of appreciation or honorary degree. All kinds of institutions have mechanisms in place to honor persons of merit - I help people work with those mechanisms.