Charitable Medical Project in Mehrauli, India

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 850 eye consultations were arranged this week by The Prem Rawat Foundation, which promotes and disseminates around the world the message of peace of Prem Rawat, known also as Maharaji. Following a recent distribution of rice to refugees in the war- torn Ivory Coast, this clinic marks the expansion of the Foundation's charitable activities aimed at improving the quality of life for people in need. Ophthalmologists and optometrists at the eye clinic provided free consultations, medicines, and prescription glasses.

The clinic was held on November 4-5, 2003, in Mehrauli, India, in partnership with Raj Vidya Kender, which promotes Maharaji's message throughout the Indian subcontinent. The facility was staffed by six medical specialists, including three ophthalmologists. It included a covered area of 6,500 sq. ft. equipped with modern medical equipment. More than 850 consultations took place. As a result, hundreds of pairs of prescription eyeglasses were distributed to patients, who ranged in age from 6 to 97, and treatment was prescribed for those found to have eye infections.

Dr. Alfredo Fort, MD, PhD, Director of Research and Evaluation for several international health organizations and a former senior advisor with the World Health Organization, declared after inspecting the clinic: "The standards of this clinic, in terms of medical services, hygiene, and care are significantly above the norm. The consultations are truly individualized: each patient is escorted by a nurse, their individual eye history is studied, and customized care and spectacles are provided to all patients in need."

Ms. Linda Pascotto, President of The Prem Rawat Foundation, expressed: "Many millions of people worldwide are unable to see clearly simply because they have never had access to properly prescribed eyeglasses. Maharaji, The Prem Rawat Foundation, and Raj Vidya Kender seek to improve the quality of human life throughout the world. Recognizing the profound impact of diminished eyesight, they seek to provide high quality eye care to people most in need."

Maharaji has been invited to present his message of peace in October and November 2003 at eighteen events throughout the Indian subcontinent. More than 700,000 people are expected to attend.

Read an excerpt from a recent address by Maharaji