This past October 11, 2010 Neale Donald Walsch, author of 27 books, arrived at Jyoti-Bihanga vegetarian restaurant, to receive the ‘Torch-Bearer Award’, which the World Harmony Run now offers to individuals exemplifying the spirit of service to humanity that founder Sri Chinmoy embodied and honored in others.

The award presentation was organized by Mahesh Borkowski who had been inspired by Mr. Walsch's book when he was 16 years old, and has since read all 27 of Mr. Walsch's book. He had always dreamt of meeting the author in person.

Neale Donald Walsch arrived with his wife and poet Em Claire. Present for the award ceremony was Sujantra McKeever, one of the founders of Jyoti-Bihanga and owner of Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga in San Diego. He noted that Mr. Walsh was deeply touched by the award and felt that in Sri Chinmoy’s life and example he had found renewed strength and guidance. Mr. Walsh related a story that for him was a striking example of how deeply his writings had permeated our culture. He told the story of being introduced to President Bill Clinton and the President remarking that, “Of course I know who Neale Donald Walsch is, I have read all of his books.”

Mr. Walsh spoke after receiving the award and noted that the most important thing he does in his work is to “step aside,” and let the writings flow through him. He also fondly remembered being interviewed on the Today Show by Matt Lauer. Mr. Walsh, who had also been in television at one time, observed that the cameraman was giving the signal to Mr. Lauer that there were 30 seconds left in the show. Matt Lauer then asked Donald Walsh, using up seven of those seconds, if God has a message for humanity. Mr. Walsch had never been asked this question before. He paused for a moment, and then then spoke the following words: “God’s message to humanity is ‘You’ve got Me all wrong.’"

We were delighted to be able to presnet the award to Mr. Walsh and are so grateful he and Em shared these special moments with us.

– Mahesh Borkowski

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