Saga of a visionary

DR. B.V. RAMAN - Tributes: Compiled by Gayatri Devi Vasudev; Raman & Rajeswari Foundation, ``Sri Rajeswari'', 28, Nehru Circle (Nagappa Street), Seshadripuram, Bangalore-560020. Rs. 60.

MORE THAN the amazing predictions relating to national and international events made by the colossus of astrology, Dr. B. V. Raman, in the last six decades, what comes to mind is his relentless struggle against many odds to uphold the glory of Hindu philosophy, religion and culture across the globe and provide an unassailable scientific basis for this science.

Revered and admired by his countless lovers and followers as the architect of modern astrology, Dr. Raman viewed the science as the mother of all sciences considering its wider reach in all spheres of human activity and also its inestimable potential to help and guide the individual, society and the nation.

He convincingly proved through his tireless work and research that cosmic influences had a deep impact on human life.

He made available to the country the fruits of his work in the fields of Hindu astronomy, astro-psychology and disease- diagnosis, through the Astrological Magazine which he edited for over 60 years, and through lectures and participation in national and international conferences.

Dr. Raman vigorously championed the cause of medical astrology which he felt had much to offer in the matter of disease- diagnosis in modern times and showed how high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes and kidney disorders could be found out from a horoscope and the time of occurrence indicated.

Similar was his concern to popularise the astrological methods of predicting natural calamities, bestowed as he was with an uncanny skill to forewarn disasters like earthquakes, floods and storms based on the outcome of the transit of major planets and seismically active periods.

Among his notable predictions in this regard include earthquakes in California in October 1998, in Shillong in July 1970 and in Latur (Marathwada region) in September 1993.

The peerless astrological genius had to his credit countless successful predictions made in the last six decades and among those worthy of mention include the outbreak of the Second World War, rise and fall of dreaded dictators, Hitler and Mussolini, Chinese invasion of India, the demise of Pandit Nehru, assassination of Indira Gandhi, fall of the Shah of Iran, break- up of Pakistan and the emergence of Bangladesh.

Two months before he died in December 1998, he predicted in an interview to The Hindu the ouster of the Nawaz Sharif regime and seizure of power by the military. There were of course critics who derided the prediction which did come true a year later.

The books he had authored and also his translation of ancient texts of Vedic astrology not only point to his deep erudition and scholastic attainments but were also amply reflected in his incisive, trenchant and fiery analysis of the various facets of the science and on the relevance of astrology to contemporary social, economic and political spheres.

Till his last days, Dr. Raman fought with a crusading zeal against his detractors, especially a section of the scientific community, which mocked and challenged his claim of a scientific basis for astrology.

Dr. Raman never tired of blunting attacks against this science from any quarter. He had no regrets for predictions going off the mark and used to cite shortcomings and setbacks and irregularities in other branches of science that led sometimes to fatalities and loss of huge resources.

Could anyone afford to disown or pass disparaging remarks against the science, he used to argue. What agonised him was the reluctance to accord astrology its rightful place and scientific recognition.

The book under review is a poignant portrayal of the life and historic achievements of a great visionary of the Vedic science by eminent persons who had the rare privilege of meeting and interacting with him.

Admirers and followers of Dr. Raman will find the publication a treasure.

R. PARTHASARATHY

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