Prem Rawat at Synergy University in Moscow, Russia
On June 29, 2012, Prem Rawat was the keynote speaker at an event called “Notes on Peace,” held at Moscow’s nationally renowned Library of Foreign Literature. The event was co-sponsored by Synergy, Moscow University of Business and Finance (MUIF); and the Ismail Akhmetov Foundation. The Library of Foreign Literature, as well as housing five million books in one hundred and forty-five languages, acts as a center for cultural and international relations.
On his first visit to Russia, Prem Rawat was greeted by some of Moscow’s leading academics and university students interested in exploring the subject of peace. Opening the event was a virtuoso pianist who played a beautiful Tchaikovsky sonata, giving a uniquely Russian ambience at the library theatre.
The Rector of Synergy University, Professor Uriy Rubin then addressed the audience, talking about the history of the young university, the subjects taught, and its interest in peace. Ismail Akhmetov gave a warm introduction and welcome to Prem Rawat.
Prem Rawat spoke in simple terms, making the point that people look to world leaders to bring peace, but in reality it already exists within each person. He illustrated this perspective with stories and facts that were deeply appreciated by the audience.
University students then asked questions both about Russia and the day-to-day challenges they faced. One student asked whether The Prem Rawat Foundation’s very successful Peace Education Program, which is being pioneered in prisons in many countries, could work in Russian prisons and also how personal peace can be achieved when external circumstances can be so challenging.
Reaction to the event from students was very enthusiastic. One student commented, “People have this impression that people in Russia are cold, but we are not. Prem Rawat made me smile today. He made my heart feel warm.”
Another student who asked a question during the event said, “I'm so happy that Prem Rawat came here. We don't have such a message here in Russia.”
Following the event, Mr. Akhmetov said, “We want to take Prem Rawat and his message into the villages of Russia, to Siberia and other countries surrounding Russia. This event is just the beginning.”