Stars of India under spotlight

By Sanjeev Srivastava

A conference on astrology has started in Bombay with a call that astrology be acknowledged as science.

They argue that the study of stars is a serious business.

And they are not put off by not getting it right all the time - they say even engineers, doctors and scientists go wrong.

The twenty first century... best, biggest, brightest... and bigger

Indian astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

Experts in the fields of astrology, palmistry, psychic study, tarot reading and related disciplines are all represented at the conference.

Indian astrologer Bejan Daruwalla, the convenor of the conference, says the world is in for a better and more peaceful future.

"These new things are coming up... growth, happiness, productivity, healing, creativity," he said.

Home interest

It is perhaps fitting that an international conference of this kind is taking place in India.

Not only is it home to one of the oldest civilisations, it is also a country where astrology is practised and followed.

The spread of education has decreased the influence of star tellers these days.

But a large number of Indians will still not take any important decisions - whether it is marriage, naming a child, or even starting a new business - without consulting their astrologer.