So let me mitigate against this kind of predictable response by stating unequivocably that any assistance to people in need is to be lauded and appreciated. It is also naive not to recognize that philanthropy is also good for business - and indeed this is a well-established principle. But what needs to be looked at is the point of this premie bringing this manufactured "interview" here. And what the point is of TPRF producing this story.

TPRF is interested in creating credibility and goodwill for itself - making Rawat look good - and creating residual curiosity about him and what the Foundation does. The "interview" intends to demonstrate that TPRF is worthy as a donor organization in this kind of relief effort. For the premie bringing it here it is supposed to demonstrate that TPRF is a credible and accountable donor org capable of helping in the disaster relief efforts. I take this at face value and I sincerely hope that it is. However, it is also supposed to demonstrate that Rawat is a concerned humanitarian helping the suffering.

Rawat has had his enterprise in operation for three and a half decades without being concerned about relief efforts, sending food to the starving, etc. So, this is a new kind of initiative (save for that very brief period in the '70s when the social service agency WWO operated until Rawat pulled the plug). In the past people questioned why Rawat sought to live in such luxury and opulence and why he didn't care to help the sick, hungry and impoverished of this world. His paraphrased answer was that you can feed hungry people today but tomorrow they will still be hungry and that he is offering food for the soul that will last an eternity.