challenged the very validity of astrology. No astrologer referred to the Supreme court judgment.

In the year 2000, the University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced astrology or Jyotir vigyan as a subject of study in Indian universities. It was opposed by some people who called themselves, scientists and rationalists. Two cases were filed against it, one in Madras High Court and the other in Andhra Pradesh High Court, both of which were dismissed. The petitioner from Andhra Pradesh, Dr. P.M. Bhargava, a scientist appealed to the Supreme Court of India and the case was admitted for hearing on merit in 2003. Mr. K.N. Rao was the only astrologer involved in the entire proceedings, as applicant in person who spoke for good thirty minutes during the final hearing before the judgment. The case, eventually was decided in favour of astrologers by the Supreme Court of India. No astrologer mentioned about the replicable scientific researches done on determination of number of co-borns, eldest or youngest sibling, birth of children, timing marriage, determining and predicting education, profession and much more. Astrologers who participated in the TV dabate had, perhaps not read the book, Planets and Education by Naval Singh. Had they come prepared after understanding the scientific researches available to prove the validity of astrology, they would not have cut such a sorry figure and would have presented a stronger block. Were the Astrologers who had gone to represent astrology totally ignorant of these facts? When we are discussing astrology, we should talk about bare facts, which no astrologer did. Astrologers should go for specific tangible biological facts like siblings ,children, time of marriage, type of education and career and not the intangible abstract that we embarrassingly witnessed in the TV debate. We should talk about statistical and scientific evidence collected through research of replicable astrological principles. We should demonstrate only the established replicable from our research store. Isnt media suppose to induce a constructive debate in the larger interest of the society. Hurling platitudes on each other gets TRP. The media of today is powerful and can take your message far and wide. The kaliyuga man is media influenced and may become a media maniac soon. Therefore, it is the responsibility of media to stir the right kind of emotions to propel a healthy, structured and constructive debate for reformation of the society. Not all are Amar Singh who can handle media with its changing moods. Amar is the best at it. He can be often seen facing the media with many aces up his sleeve and a game plan in his belly. He gives a statement for the media to analyze and keep it engaged to speculate his game plan 24x7, while he has new game plan from medias speculative analysis created. Amar is the only person perhaps who can play the media game. Astrologers should realize they cannot be Amar Singh. They should concentrate on the fact that astrology is a science grounded on solid foundation and has a utility.

To help society see issues in the right perspective, it is our duty to make people aware of our limitations as well like getting the correct data based on which predictions are made; Lack of honest feedback from people who come to us for consultations. No monetary support from government for research in astrology. No organized method of teaching other than in the Institute of astrology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan. The problem of self-styled astrology and astrologers adorned with self created shining prefix and suffix to their names. The problem of ponga pandits. As proponents of astrology we should put forth tangible and logical reasons and arguments that are likely to make logical sense to the biased hardened scientific community and not the intangible abstract predictions the type that were witnessed in the TV debate. The astrologers tryst with media scientists did not end. They were hauled again in the studios a few days later. Though they were again present with just there faith but this time they had the fate supporting. Mr Anil Vats who said that he had based is prediction about the marital discord on the position of debilitated Moon in the 7th house and Venus in the 12th was charged with receiving a phone call. He clarified that his mobile was off and therefore he could not have received the call. There was talk of a SMS sent.