Unveiling Family Secrets: Hans Rawat's Revelations on Prem Rawat
Written on
In 1978, I participated in a gathering led by Prem Rawat, who was then referred to as Guru Maharaj Ji, in Tucson, Arizona. As one of around twenty instructors, I was seated in prime positions alongside major financial supporters, discreet followers (those sworn to silence regarding Rawat’s private conduct), and Prem’s family friends. The attendees were dressed in lavish attire.
The front rows required a polished appearance.
When Michael Woods set up his photography gear and Monica Lewis arrived with her camera, it was clear the event was about to commence.
Note: Monica Lewis, who was purportedly a long-term companion of the family man Prem Rawat, is currently Monika Winslow, the Executive Director of Intelligent Existence, a company generating revenue for Prem Rawat.
I remember looking up at the stage in wonder — devoted followers had created a whimsical castle stage reminiscent of Disney, complete with turrets. Prem’s children, Hans and Wadi, peeked out from the windows, grinning and enjoying themselves.
I thought to myself, I would never have children, as I was committed to being an instructor for life. Little did I know that life would surprise me.
After several renowned instructors wrapped up their speeches, Prem made his entrance, performing his signature gesture to encourage silence and seating. He settled into a beige custom chair, while Marino Amico adjusted the microphone.
Prem began his address, and before I could process it, he delved into a tale about the Indian deity Ram and his half-monkey devotee Hanuman.
Oh no, here we go again, I thought, as I tuned out.
Eventually, he shifted the conversation to his children, which caught my attention. He remarked that children often lack support, advising against opposing them. This resonated with me as it was one of the few practical insights he shared.
A decade later, as my then-wife and I began raising our two children, I recalled Prem’s advice. Like many parents, I was uncertain about child-rearing, but I understood the importance of loving them unconditionally and ensuring their safety.
Consequently, my children and I have maintained a strong bond without any major conflicts or separations. Today, our relationship is as solid as ever. Perhaps I was fortunate. One thing is clear — I made no choices that would jeopardize our connection.
How ironic that just a few years later, Prem, the so-called Perfect Master, found himself estranged from his eldest son, causing harm and creating a rift that seems unlikely to mend.
Hans Rawat
Hans, now 47, is married and has a young son. Over the past year, I have spent considerable time talking to him. He is a quiet, intelligent, and articulate individual. On February 16, 2024, he responded to a Facebook post of mine with some profound statements. Here are a few:
> For the record, my father introduced me to alcohol and cannabis when we lived in Miami Beach; several premies witnessed this. I was only seven.
What kind of parent offers drugs to a seven-year-old?
And this:
> My mother, of course, witnessed [the sexual abuse], along with another premie. A few years ago, I mentioned to a family member that this individual had seen the abuse occur. I remember the incident vividly, but I won’t share the details here; when my father began molesting me in front of him, I looked to see how he reacted.
> He appeared as if he had encountered a ghost. His face turned pale, and his body shook. I harbor no resentment toward him for not intervening; people were understandably terrified of upsetting Prem.
Regardless of his feelings, this bystander witnessed a crime that could result in a lengthy prison term in Florida.
Prem’s Acknowledgment of Wrongdoing
In November 2019, Hans, along with his sisters, held a family meeting with Prem. I have listened to the recording numerous times. During this meeting, Prem seemed subdued, sounding like a man burd