Freedom of the City of London



The granting of the Freedom of the City of London is an ancient ceremony, dating back to nearly 800 years. In England, the most extensive borough freedom is that conferred by the Freedom of the City of London, first recorded in 1237. It is considered the original Keys to the City upon which all other city keys are based. Prem Rawat's nomination for the freedom of the city of London was made in recoginition of the many decades he has dedicated to peace. In a rare departure from the convention, and in recognition of the importance of the event, the ceremony was held in historic Guildhall. The representatives of many humanitarian and charitable organizations were present, as well as city of London government officials, business people and International guests. Following his admmision to the freedom, Prem Rawat was invited to address the audience.

Murray Craig: The ceremony today is rather symbolic. Historically, it is of great value. We've certainly given some very interesting people, this freedom over the years. We're very glad to add you this list of fame. Nelson Mandela received this in 1996. We had Napolean Bonaparte, Florence Nightingale, and Marget thatcher too.
Craig John Murray (born 17 October 1958) is a British political activist, former ambassador to Uzbekistan and former Rector of the University of Dundee.

Deputy Richard Reagan: I'ld like to be among the first to congratulate Prem Rawat on being admitted to this freedom to city of London. I'm delighted too, sir, to welcome you. It's wonderful to share this special moment with you and your family. For those of you who are not so familiar with Prem Rawat's work. I would like to say a few words of introduction. I was privileged in 2007 to hear Prem Rawat at a very high profile event in Guildhall, at Lord Mayor's appeal. Prem Rawat's effort towards peace has been lifelong. He has dedicated himself to enguarding people all over the world, to make peace a priority in their lives. His message of peace transcends all cultures and social conditions. It's based on the importance of the individual and addressing the very nature of human beings. Prem Rawat has founded TPRF, which spreads message of peace and spearheads numerous humanitarian initiatives in collaboration with governments and other International organizations. It provides aid for people in urgent need of life sustaining resources such as food and water. For his commitment both as ambassador of peace and a promoter of humanitarian Initiatives, he has received awards in honor of his work from many Institutions in many countries. And there I say this is not the first freedom of the city, you've received, sir. Very recently you spoke at the European Parliament in Brussels at the invitation of the Vice President, to share your unique perspective of peace. I would now like you Prem to address this distinguished audience and share with us your vision of Peace and dignity. Thank you very much
Richard David Regan has been a Sheriff of the City of London. Educated at Wimbledon College, Regan was Master of the Worshipful Company of Cutlers in 2002 and 2003 and is an active member of two past Masters Associations. He was elected to the Court of Commons Council has served as Deputy Chairman of Governors of the City of London School for Girls and King Edwards School Whitley, and as Deputy Chairman of the Standards Committee of the City of London Corporation.

Prem Rawat: I'm so pleased to join you as a fellow freeman. When I was coming here, just looking around every corner of this wonderful city which is so full of history. But even though history is so fascinating, if we look at it, there's a pattern. Their is a pattern of peace, there's a pattern of war, and there's a pattern of people wanting properity, and there's pattern of people being squashed. What does that mean? Einstein said something wonderful. He said, while defining Insanity, is to keep doing the same thing and expect different results. For such a long time, I feel, that people of this world keep doing the same thing and hoping and praying for absolutely different results. And that's what I wanna bring your attention to!

Guildhall has been used as a town hall for several hundred years, and is still the ceremonial and administrative centre of the City of London and its Corporation. The term Guildhall refers both to the whole building and to its main room, which is a medieval-style great hall. The current building was begun in 1411AD. During the Roman period, it was the site of an amphitheatre, the largest in Britannia.



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