'Astrology is a set of beliefs that have no scientific basis'

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The ‘Breakthrough Science Society,’ a voluntary organisation committed to the cause of science, culture and scientific outlook, has sought to bring the spotlight back on the issue of the introduction of a course in astrology in the Ayurveda curriculum calling it an 'unscientific' move.

“This sort of unscientific belief system incorporated into the curriculum will produce medical practitioners with an irrational bent of mind and will undermine the medical practice itself. While we favour serious scientific research to retrieve any scientific kernel that may be present within Ayurveda, mixing it with the totally unscientific belief system of Astrology will harm Ayurveda itself,” the society said in a statement.

The National Council for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) has begun offering a course in medical astrology in the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery programme. More than 1,000 students have reportedly registered for the particular course.

The Breakthrough Science Society has maintained that astrology is a set of beliefs that have no scientific basis. Distant objects like planets do not affect human physiology or psychology in any way, and the knowledge of planetary placements has no medical value.

According to Dr Sanjeev Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, this course will help students because “the changes in planets and constellations according to a person's natal chart have a direct effect on the health and mind of humans.”

Sunil Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, Delhi chapter, has also welcomed the move, saying, “Many diseases are caused by the imbalance of vata-pitta and cough, which can be identified by studying the planetary placements.”

“We believe this downward spiral of Indian education will damage our nation irreparably. We urge citizens not to be mere onlookers but come forward to register strong protests to protect education and scientific thinking in our country,” the society urged.