Elan Vital - background information

Purpose

The primary objective of Elan Vital Inc is to promote the message and teachings of Maharaji, otherwise known as Mr Prem Pal Rawat.

This objective is more formally stated in the Elan Vital constitution; "the fundamental object of Elan Vital shall be to promote the principles and teachings of Prem Pal Singh Rawat, and to advance public education in the understanding and realisation of human potential through self-knowledge based upon the teachings of Prem Pal Singh Rawat" (a rather long-winded statement!)

Framework

Elan Vital Incorporated is a non-profit association, registered under the Associations Incorporation Act (South Australia) 1985. Elan Vital has a constitution which sets out the aims and objectives of the association.

Under the Associations lncorporations Act, Elan Vital is required to keep accurate accounting records, to arrange for the auditing of the accounts and to lodge an annual return with the Corporate Affairs Commission

Elan Vital has a board consisting of four Directors including; a National Director, Treasurer and an Officer registered in South Australia

Key Functions

Conferences

A primary role of Elan Vital is to invite Mr Rawat to Australia and undertake all the necessary preparation and follow-up for these visits. This involves conference planning and scheduling, preparing invitations and brochures, assisting delegates with travel and accommodation etc.

Elan Vital organises conferences at a regional and national level. These conferences and seminars have been held in various convention centres, exhibition halls, hotel ballrooms and community centres.

Video Production and distribution

A major activity of Elan Vital is the production and distribution of audio-visual materials on the teachings of Mr Rawat. Maharaji's presentations at events around the world are recorded and made into video and audio cassettes for distributions world-wide. Australia, in turn, duplicates from video masters for distribution around Australia.

Video Event Presentations (Screenings)

Elan Vital organises video screenings on a regular basis in over fifty towns and cities throughout Australia, mainly using conference facilities, hotels, state libraries, lecture theatres, community and education centres.

There is no advertising associated with these meetings. Introductory video events are made available for interested people.

Elan Vital as an association

Elan Vital is not a club. There is no membership. People have the choice of providing their name, phone number and address, so that they can be informed of visits by the Speaker. They may also request to be on the mailing list to receive catalogues of audio-visual material

Ivory's Rock Conference Centre

Elan Vital has a major project on its hands with the development of IRCC as an international conference facility. In the future Elan Vital will be able to host conferences for up to 5000 people.

Relationship between Divine Light Mission and Elan Vital

Elan Vital was first registered in 1974 under the name "Divine Light Mission." The name changed in the early 1980's to Elan Vital meaning "Life Force" to better exemplify its purpose. There was a natural evolution away from the Indian culture/lifestyle which was irrelevant to Maharaji's teachings.

Funding

Elan Vital is funded by voluntary contributions from its supporters and from the sale of audio-visual materials and publications.

Funding is used for staging events, instructor visits, video production and distribution and administration. Elan Vital does not provide Mr Rawat with fees, honorium, compensation or any personal financial benefits. Elan Vital solely covers travel and lodgings when the Speaker attends events.



Relationship between Elan Vital Inc and Ivory's Rock Conference Centre

Background

Elan Vital Inc Australia has entered into a lease of the Ivory's Rock Conference Centre from Myrine Investments Ltd for the purpose of developing the property as an international conference facility. The lease began on April, 1 1995 for an initial term of 6 years with two additional options of renewal, each of 6 years.

Elan Vital has purchased the company, Ivory's Rock Conference Centre PTY Ltd. (IRCC P/L) from Myrine Investments, to manage the property. The Manager of IRCC P/L (Jan McGregor) is designated the agent of Elan Vital Inc to manage the Conference Centre on its behalf and to be responsible for the day-to-day operation of IRCC.

IRCC P/L provides a buffer for Elan Vital by providing a commercially acceptable representation for the conference centre for public relations and marketing purposes. IRCC P/L acts as the interface with local councils, tourist associations, interested user groups etc. so that Elan Vital can remain in the background.

Management Rights

Elan Vital grants Management Rights for the operations of IRCC (Amaroo) to IRCC P/L. The basis for this arrangement is that IRCC P/L is to all outside parties the operator of IRCC. Elan Vital is an undisclosed principal with IRCC P/L as its agent. All receipts of the conference centre would be the funds of Elan Vital Inc and expenses would be the obligation of Elan Vital Inc.

Business Name

Elan Vital does not publicise that it is the Lessee of the IRCC and that only IRCC P/L as the operator is disclosed. Although through a legal search it will be possible for the public to determine that Elan Vital Inc is the owner of IRCC P/L and that it is the Lessee of IRCC.

Presenting IRCC to all Parties

The most common question from visitors to the Conference Centre, or people in local industries and business community is "who is behind the development?" - ie, where is the money coming from for what is obviously a large scale development.

A general response to this question is; that the property is privately owned and that it is managed and developed by an Australian company, IRCC P/L. In certain more in-depth situations it could be stated that Elan Vital is a major user of the facility and that some development is being designed to suit their requirements. For Elan Vital events it could be mentioned that Elan Vital is actually leasing and funding the development.

Management International Event at Amaroo (IRCC)

Elan Vital provides the legal and financial framework for these events. Elan Vital engages consultants "Lape and Associates" and Sutton and Associates to act as public relations representatives for Elan Vital. Nils Koren and the PR team play a key role with the consultants in developing and implementing a public relations strategy for international events.

Elan Vital Position on Media Relations

The primary objective is NO press. This requires good planning and preparation so that those areas that have the potential to gain press attention are managed effectively, such areas include:

  • press interest
  • immigration
  • contractors
  • local service groups, businesses, and the surrounding community
  • hotels and transportation companies
  • attitude and behaviour of delegates attending the conference

Positive Actions

In order to diffuse potential problems that may arise and to ensure that these areas function smoothly, good planning and preparation is required. This is likely to include the following

  • the establishment of a media relations group
  • planned, low-key press releases to alleviate negative press and remove the mystique that can surround these events
  • clear guidelines for delegates attending the event prior to departing from their countries
  • clear communication with hotels, camp proprietors, business groups, contractors, etc
  • sensitive handling of the local community

Elan Vital Inc Australia