Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji, is an Indianborn speaker who gained prominence in the West during the early 1970s. Born in Haridwar, India, in 1957, he began addressing audiences at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, a prominent North Indian guru. Upon his father's death in 1966, Rawat, then eight years old, assumed the role of spiritual leader, attracting followers both in India and abroad.

In the early 1970s, Rawat's message of inner peace and selfknowledge resonated with many young people in the West, leading to the establishment of Divine Light Mission, an organization dedicated to propagating his teachings. He traveled extensively, holding large events and giving discourses on the importance of inner experience and the practical techniques for achieving it, which he refers to as Knowledge. These techniques, involving meditation on inner light, sound, and vibration, are central to his approach.

Over the years, Rawat's style and message have evolved. He disbanded the Divine Light Mission in the 1980s and refocused his efforts on direct communication with individuals. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience and understanding, rather than adherence to any particular dogma or belief system. Through his organization, Words of Peace Global, he continues to deliver his message through public events, television programs, and online resources. He has also developed initiatives such as the Prem Rawat Foundation, which focuses on addressing fundamental human needs like access to clean water and food, alongside promoting his message of peace.