Below is a new interview with Linda Pascotto about the magnificent contributions TPRF is making on the humanitarian front.  But, really, aren't these numbers a bit of a joke in context?  $15k here -- even $100k there?  I mean, do you really need to create a fake Rockefeller "foundation" in your name to give such paltry sums?  And then to bandy it about with this ridiculous, fervent PR effort.  Why, it's downright embarrassing somehow. 

It kind of reminds me of some of the immensely lame Canadian game shows they used to have when I was growing up where the contestants would win a few dollars at a time, perhaps as many as thirty or fourty if they really cleaned up.  A winning streak all week long, where they'd wipe out their competition, might yield a couple of hundred.  Petty, that's what it was.  Petty.

I'm sure that these sums are not significant to Prem Rawat, not in terms of the most conservative estimations of his wealth.  So why does he need this costly foundation to give a little?  Oh, because the money's not his, it's coming from other donors?  Surely, at these levels, it would be far simpler, more efficient and far less expensive for him to just urge his followers to donate to these causes directly.  The only problem, though, is that that would leave Rawat with nothing to boast about. 

Anyway, forgive me for stating the obvious. 

The Prem Rawat Foundation’s humanitarian efforts: an interview with Linda Pascotto, President

Many people consider that the possibility of finding peace within that Maharaji offers is the noblest, greatest, and most helpful humanitarian initiative there can be. Why would TPRF embark on such a dedicated campaign of humanitarian efforts?
To be able to experience peace within, people first need to have nutritious food and clean water. These are basic physical necessities, without which it is not possible to lead a healthy life. Unfortunately, while we have explored outer space and enjoy the benefits of advanced technology, thousands of people still die of hunger each day. I know Maharaji feels strongly about the humanitarian efforts that the Foundation is heading, and all of us at TPRF feel this way, too. While the primary responsibility for humanitarian aid lies with governments, there is plenty that humanitarian organizations like TPRF can do to help, and we are in this for the long haul.

Why focus on providing food and water rather than medicine, for example?
There are many ways to help, and all are valid. It could be providing medical assistance or clothing or education. However, TPRF has limited funds, and we decided to focus on providing the basic necessities—nutritious food and water—without which nothing is possible.

TPRF has been partnering with organizations like the United Nations World Food Programme and, most recently, the Houston Food Bank. Why?
We chose to work with the WFP at the time of the tsunami in Asia because WFP has a sterling reputation, the lowest overhead of any United Nations agency, and an infrastructure on the ground able to deliver food and water to people most in need directly, rapidly, and reliably. We trusted them to make the best possible use of the funds sent to TPRF for hunger relief by generous donors.

The Houston Food Bank, a branch of America’s Second Harvest, was a partner of choice to bring food aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina. HFB delivers year round more than 235,000 meals a month. They have an infrastructure in place already, and because they receive many donations of food, they are able to give $25 worth of food for each dollar donated. These capabilities allow exceptionally efficient use of the funds donated to TPRF.

After the tsunami, Maharaji gave a check for $150,000 to the WFP on behalf of the Foundation and then later another check for $30,000 for their School Feeding Program. At the same time, TPRF launched a hunger-relief effort in Sri Lanka. What is the status of this project?
After the tsunami, the Foundation gave $15,000 to the Jeevashakthi Society in Sri Lanka. This made it possible to distribute food aid particularly to children. Local volunteers distributed nutritious supplements to schoolchildren in refugee camps. We are working on the development of a new School Feeding Program in Sri Lanka to feed more school-age children, and we are speaking with several other possible partners.

A few months ago, Maharaji laid the cornerstone of a long-term food-aid initiative in northeastern India near Ranchi. What is the status of this project?
In partnership with The Premsagar Foundation, an Indian charitable organization with objectives comparable to those of TPRF, a facility is being developed in a village called Bantoli, where free, healthy meals will be given each day to children and adults in need. The food will be purchased from those cultivating it, and people preparing and serving the food will be paid. All of this is happening with support from TPRF. Some educational services may be provided. It has also been suggested to have TV monitors in the dining room where the children could watch Discovery Channel-style documentaries while having their meal. Things take time in India, and it will be months until the facility is operational, but steady progress is being made. This initiative, which will help the local economy at the same time it helps people in need, is being developed with village elders and has the full appreciation and support of local villagers.

TPRF just donated $100,000 to Pakistan. Why Pakistan, and where did the funds come from?
Our heart goes out to the victims of this horrible tragedy. The earthquake has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left as many as five million people homeless. People who have lost everything face the daunting task of finding much-needed food, shelter, and water. The World Food Programme mobilized immediately to provide urgent relief and deliver life-saving food aid to give survivors the strength and energy they need to rebuild. WFP has already started to send enough ready-to-eat rations to feed one million people. We immediately sent a check for $100,000. Donations have started coming in, and more are needed.

How can people contribute to this and other humanitarian initiatives headed or supported by TPRF?
Just go to the TPRF website, at www.tprf.org to the “Giving” or the “Humanitarian” section.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all those who are contributing so generously. It is heartwarming to see that, with Maharaji’s inspiration, we can truly make a difference.

Thank you.