Astrology literally means a pseudoscience claiming divination by the positions of the planets and sun and moon and the definition itself indicates that its contention with science is for eternity. In spite of this, the dominance of astrology in human society is strong and this is growing steadily because of mounting complexities. India, from the dawn of the human civilization, has been under the influence of astrology and its various branches. It has to be mentioned that aastrology has played an important role in the shaping of Indian culture and its earliest instances can be found even in the Vedas.

Well, India has its indigenous form of astrology called Jyotish and it is Hindu system of astrology (also known as Indian astrology, Hindu astrology, and of late, Vedic astrology). However with the change of ages roles of astrologers have also changed. Nowadays, apart from dealing with personal problems of commoners, astrologers are being perceived in the domain of politics also and each election promotes their status vehemently. What is the relation between astrology and election? If you are from US or Europe, you may remain astounded but in the Indian context they have deeper meanings.

Lots of astrologers, these days, are hired by different political parties (barring Left perhaps) to forecast the results of elections. The same scenario is being repeated due to the impending results of the 2009 parliamentary elections. But at this time there is a problem.

Reason? The Science and Rationalists’ Association of India has issued a challenge to astrologers and stated that any astrologer who becomes able to forecast results of election accurately will be awarded $50,000 USD and this amounts to 25 lakhs in Indian Rupees. In order to qualify, astrologers must forecast the results on 14 or 15 May 2009. They must send their forecast by e-mail to the Association and to a press organization.

This is, indeed, a noble bid on the part of SRAI to put an end to all nonsense and the traditional ways of deceiving common people.