On July 3, 2009, Prem Rawat was honored by President Colombo and the Regional Administration in Potenza, the historic capital city of the Basilicata region in Southern Italy. Nestled in the lovely hill regions of Basilicata, Potenza’s roots go back to the 4th century B.C. Currently, the Regional Administration hopes to transform their region into an important center for peace. Emilio Colombo, former Prime Minister of Italy, former President of the European Parliament, and lifetime senator, expressed great joy that Prem Rawat had accepted their invitation to come and speak: “I am happy to meet him in our dear region.” 

President Colombo and Basilicata President Vito de Filippo of Potenza, in joint association with the presidents of nearby provinces, extended the honorary invitation to Prem Rawat, the seed of which was planted in 2005 when Prem Rawat spoke to a roomful of dignitaries at the Palazzo Giustiniani at the Senate in Rome. Notable guests to this evening’s prestigious event also included the regional ministers of Health, of Industry and Tourism, and of Infrastructure and Transport, as well as local Potenza business leaders, students from the Conservatorio di Musica, friends and associates of the speakers, and several international attendees from as far away as Australia, Israel, and the United States. 

An air of excitement permeated the hall as Prem Rawat walked into the auditorium, closely followed by the governor, the president, and other dignitaries. A standing ovation greeted Mr. Rawat and accompanied him again in the honorary ceremony finale, where he was awarded a pin and memorial plaque proclaiming him Basilicata’s Ambassador of Peace. 

The event, called “Peace: Human Heritage,” commenced as the Master of Ceremonies, Renato Cantore, Chief Editor of TGR News Media, introduced the evening’s schedule to the more than 500 guests. After a piano and flute concerto performed by two classical musicians, Governor de Filippo spoke about the need for political institutions to look ahead if they aim to implement the freedom and peace needed for the people of our planet. “Indeed, we look forward to this high level of thought from Prem Rawat, higher than the grip of our difficulties. It is known that treaties alone are insufficient in establishing lasting peace, and I believe deeply that embedded in our souls is the most solid foundation for bringing peace. Tonight an important seed will be planted that we will nurture and grow. For this is a land of peace.” 

President Colombo spoke next: “Greetings to Mr. Prem Rawat, my salute to you, for you are indeed an emissary of peace. Potenza is just a stage for you on your continued journey, and I hope it is a good one.” President Colombo spoke eloquently, remembering when war was plaguing the land in 1944 and when the European Union was formed to help ensure lasting peace. He then remembered a quote of Prem Rawat: “If you want peace, then prepare for peace.” 

With the warmest regard, Prem Rawat was invited onto the stage. He thanked the governor and president for the invitation, saying that when it comes to peace, “It is good to have friends.” He said that, despite years of searching for extraterrestrial life, we’ve yet to find any confirmed evidence of it. “For light years around us, it’s just us. So we better start taking care of each other,” he said. “The reality is we are on this planet, floating as if on a raft in this ocean of the universe. Our differences of opinion should be our strength, not our weakness. We have to learn to come together, and that can only happen when we see the necessity.” 

After a few anecdotes alluding to the fundamental quest for peace, Prem Rawat concluded his talk: “Do you want to do something really fun? Then work on bringing peace on earth. A thousand unlit candles,” he said, “cannot light even one candle. Quantity has nothing to do with it. One lit candle can light a thousand. So, however many of us there are,” he continued, “if we can raise the interest for peace in this world, something beautiful will happen.”