Kolkata Dordarshan (state owned TV of the state of West Bengal, India) airs an interesting talk-show programme called Jukti Tokko. On June, 10, astrologer Jaya Ganguly had come to the show. The subject that day was Jyotishshastra ki bigyan? ( Is astrology a science?). On that day, millions who watched the show saw her claiming that that she has cured four cancer patients, with her prescription of stones. She is reported to have thrown a challenge to any body who’d care to bring to her any number of cancer patients. She claims to cure them by prescribing specific stones. Ranjit Paul, who had watched the programmme, wrote to me by e-mail, asking me to take this challenge up.
Incidentally, I had also watched the programme. And I’d been stunned. There were quite a few risky issues that came out of this progeamme. 1) I think that by claiming she had cured four cancer patients, Ganguly had definitely confused all those who had watched the programme. 2) As a result, terminal patients of various diseases are likely to visit Ganguly. 3) Against such an unscientific claim, four people , who are representing science were silent. This was surprising. 4) Such a claim, no matter what, is unlawful, if one considers Sections2 c, 5 and 7 of The Drugs and Magic Remedies ( Objectionable Advertisement ) Act, 1954, Oddly, the lawkeepers have remained unmoved by her claim. As to Ranjit Paul’s suggestion, I declare that I do not hasitate in taking up Ganguly’s challenge. I’ll give a year’s time, and she’ll have to cure three cancer patients. Doctors will test them after the stipulated period. Will she agree to my challenge, I throw an open question?
Yes, there are diseases which can be healed by stuff that are in no way related to any kind of medicinal stricture. These are called psycho-somatic disorders Such disorders spring from social and circumstantial pressures. Like uncertainties springing from social and religious concerns, competition, religious fanatism etc.
Psycho-somatic diseases include pain in different parts of the body, stomach disorders, uneasiness, ulcers, lethargy, asthma, arthritis, spondolosis, diabetes and such like. If it is observed that such diseases have sprung from social pressure, the best way to deal with them is to use faith as a medicinal tool.
This kind of faith-healing is called Placebo. The factor about Placebo healing is to earn the confidence of the patients. If that is done, then the doctor is half-way through. After that, whatever is prescribed are generally devoid of any medicinal value. What works in the treatment of a psycho-somatic disease is not any medicine but the confidence of the patients towards the doctor and the drugs prescribed.
Points is, something which is not a psycho-somatic disease cannot be healed by the placebo treatment, True that gem-stone can prove effective to cure certain psycho-somatic disease, but a disease like cancer, which is absolutely clinical disease, can never be cured by the placebo treatment. Even diseases like fungal growths on skin, giving rise to ordinary skin diseases cannot be treated with Placebo. Because gem stones can never kill virus.
There is a school of thought which believes that the absence of certain colours in our physical constitution causes certain disease. A particular gem stone separates a particular ray and transmits it in to the human body. Astrologers and books of astrology believe and propagate this view. However, here’s a piece of notice that appeared in almost all leading dailies of Kolkata on June 26, 1986. The release was signed by 18 scientists of West Bengal. It stated that it has been scientifically proved that gem stones do not have any power of absorbing or transmitting rays. Neither can it transmits rays in to the human body. The release further stated that so-called cosmic rays does not have any colour at all, and that the effect of metals, stones etc, worn the body as charms cannot have any other effect on it but that initiated by the faith of the wearer.
UGC (University Grants Commission, India) has proposed the study of astrology in different Indian Universities. At the same time The Drug and Medical Remedies Act does not allow astrologers prescribe gem-stone on an official basis. Isn’t that an irony of sorts? Where the practice is rationalised in one sense, and the chief prescription of the practitioner curbed by law? Fact is, at different points, ministers of the state has raised their voice against astrologers, but they have not really come down on them armed with the above Act. Perhaps it shows the strength of the gem-merchant’s lobbies, who knows?
I had claimed in Calcutta Times, June 22 that “Within 12 hours, I can create a monkey-man in Kolkata.” Quite a few letters have been published against this. In answer I will give the example of the rumour of July 4. It definitely wasn’t so. The rumure spread because it was propagated scientifically. Remember Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega has been released, and such rumours can suddenly make the cash-registers ring.
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The Hoogly has many ghats along its banks One of them, off Baranagar in North Kolkata is called Ramlochan Ghosh’s ghat. It’s also known as the Baranagar Alam Bazar ghat. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture. Hugh corinthian pillars, wide concrete staircase. A peaceful place, the ghat has 12 Shiva temple, spread in two rows. Worship of the idols is done continuously. The pujaris came from the Sukla family. The place belongs to the family of the maharajas of Pathuriaghata. It is said the rajas had brought down the Suklas from Puri, especially with the assignment of ritualistic worship at the Shiva temple. This was 275 years back. Since then, the Suklas reside here.
I came to know of all this from Harahar Sukla. He lives near the ghats. In front of his house, he has built a temple. The temple houses quite a few idols, including hanuman, Sitala, Kali, Sani, Manasha, Shiv and Krishna and Radha. Opposite the house, there is a pandal. Inside, the idols of Jaganath, Balaram and Suvadra reside in all their glory. The pandal is supported to be the abode of Jagannath aunt, and since it’s a few days after Rathayatra, when I went there, they are residing at their aunt' place. They will return to the Jagannath Temple of Alambazar on the day of Ultarath . Worshippers and the believers throng the place every day.
The day a friend of mine, Ashis, and myself went to this place, it was June 26. Another auspicious day fro Hindu believers— Bipadtarini. The temple is crowded from the very first instant. People have come with numerous problems. Most of them relate to their immediate life— office, job, relationship etc. Harahar Sukla sits in front of the idols at his temple. 69 years, he is not very tall, very fair and well-built. The one with the question has to sit in front of Suklaji and explains his problem. Suklaji calculates and gives a solution. Fees range from Rs. 51 to Rs. 101. At times, one has to do a bit of sacred pyre for the solution. Fees Rs. 1001.
With over followers, we also had our turn. I sat before Suklaji. My question was, last Sunday I had lost my scooter from the local market. Will I get it back? Suklaji had a circular piece of black stone lying in front of him. On it was drawn 12 squares, like the one that’s popularly seen in illustrations depicting the wheel of fate. He asked me touch any one of the squares. I did his bidding.
His job started then. He made a grave face and said, “ I can see the whole incident before me clearly. You kept the scooter at a crowded. After you have left, two boys came. They rode away with the scooter. But they won’t be able to keep the scooter to themselves. The police will help you a lot with this. You’ll get back the scooter within two days.”
I also saw a sacred pyre in operation. A lady had come on the same day. Her son has returned with a deadly disease from Mumbai. The solution was to organize a sacred pyre (yajna). Bricks were laid in the ground. On the brick platform was laid a layer of sand. On it were laid layers of bel wood. The wood was soaked with ghee. Suklaji chanted the sacred rhyme, and from his kusi, poured some water on the dry water. And the pyre burst into flame.
It was miracle apparently, and it took the gathered guests by storm. People shouted in praise of the godly power. Perhaps it was only me and Ashis who heard the small bursting metallic sound. This was the result of water being dropped on metallic sodium. Metallic sodium is the same colour as sand, so it was not easily identifiable in the pyre.
As we left the place, Remeshchandra, son of Harahar, He said, “Don’t you worry. When my father has assured you, you are sure to get your possessions back.
I answered, “There’s a PRESS sticker on my car. You might think that because I am attached to the media, the police will naturally help me find the people who stole my scooter. Your father saw the whole incident through his extra(?). Fact is I do not even possess a scooter.” Rameshchandra stood there without a word.
Jay Ghosh has written to me via e-mail. He asks the solution to something he’d seem six years back. A man was sitting with eyes blindfolded. A spectator had given a Rs. 100 currency note to his partner. The blindfolded man was supposed to catch the thoughtwave of the partner and say the number of the note. Let’s say you are my partner. Your eyes are blindfolded. We have talked it among ourselves that we will use a code whereby the first letters of the nouns we use will give the impression of the number of the note is 132568. And the code is A=1, B=2, C=3 etc. So I say, “ I learnt this trick from Adityji. He used to live in Coochbehar. I was at that time living in Belur. Observe, we have coded 123 already. There’s actually nothing called a thoughtwave, which can be transmitted from person to person.
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Gem-stones and metal-tablets are useless. But I have received queries about astrology and its effect in life, from Prabhat Kr. Chatterjee and Sema Basak. In answer, let me put some valid points forward.
In the first place, according to astrology fate is predetermined at the time of birth, as per the position of the stars. Astrology is that science, which claims that it is possible to predict what will happen in the future by reading the janamkundli ir the palm.
Ironically, astrologers suggest gem-stones or metal-tablets, even roots as ‘remedies’ against the onslaught of fate. Points is, if these can change the reading of fate, then the theory that fate is predetermined.
In a more practical way, if fate is predetermined, then we need not make any effort to achieve anything in life. Like if my son is predetermined to be a doctor, I need not admit him to a good school or ensure the quality of education. More important, if there was anything called predetermined fate, would it have been necessary for the Union budget to allot a lumpsum for defence purposes. After all, the outcomes of all wars are supposed to be predetermined according to astrology.
There’s another thing worth considering. Most astrologers are ardent believers in God. Questions: So which is more powerful— fate or God? If one believes in predetermination, the whole point of prayers and asking of blessings doesn’t stand. Look at it closely. You friendly neighbourhood astrologer will not treat his near and dear ones with metal tablets or gem-stones when they are sick. Neither will they wait for fate to dictate the career of their sons and daughters.
Fact is, whatever astrologers predict, they do them by instinct and a good study of the character in front of them. Change the attire, make a story up in front of the astrologer and you’ll see him/her ‘predict’ wrongly. A trick that I myself have employed in more than one occasion, while busting these people in radio and TV, ever since 1985.
The UGC has suggested inclusion of astrology at the graduate and PG levels, Let us remember that the UGC plays as it is asked to. When IK Gujral was PM, they had suggested value education in the syllabus. Their present suggestion only points towards the wish of the government.
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A big craze has started regarding the prophecies of Nostradamus since the September 11 blasts in WTC and Pentagon. My mail box is jammed with mails asking whether the recent catastrophe that befell America and the prophesies of Nostradamus, done several centuries ago, ( as the recent news paper cuttings said ), tally — thus proving that Astrology is another branch of Science. Many news papers have cited this prophesy on their front pages between September 13 and 20. A weekly children’s magazine on September 26 even claimed that Nostradamus was perfect in his prediction and that this would lead to the Third World War that would last for 27 years. All the report say that this prediction was made in stanza 54 of the section on Century Six.
Nostradamus is good business. He was born in 1503 and died in 1566. Written in French, the popularity of his works are all due to Erika Cheetham who had translated and edited The Prophecies of Nostradamus. So before we believe all that the papers had to say let’s take a peek into the heart of the matter. Let’s see what Prediction 54 of Century Six says:
THE ORIGINAL IN FRENCH: Au poinct du jour au second chant du coq, Ceulx de Tunes, de fez, & de Bugie, Par les Ambes captive le Roi Maroq, L’an mil six cens & Sept, de Liturgie.
ERIKA’S TRANSLATION: At daybreak at second cock-crow, those of Tunis, Fez and of Bougie; the Arabs captured by the King of Morocco in the year sixteen hundred and seven by the Liturgy.
Erika’s observation: Failed Quatrain 1607 — This quatrain seems to be one of Nostradamus’ totals failures. He appears to see the fall of the Ottoman Empire through new Persian and Arab Empires in the year 1607. The only point in Nostradamus’ favour is that no commentator can agree about what is meant by ‘the Liturgy’. This may alter the date as it now appears, but how is not clear. It would simply be an equivalent of Anno Domini, but nostradamus was usually more convoluted than that. ( The Prophecies of Nostradamus, Erika Cheetham, Transworld Publishers, London, Edition 1990 ).
On the other hand in Prophecy 99 of Century Six we find an attempt to stretch the explanation to fit the rationale.
THE ORIGINAL FRENCH: Cinq & quarante degrees ciel bruslera, Feu approacher de la grand cite neufve, instant grand flame esparse sautera, Quand on voudra des Normans faire prevue.
ERIKA’S TRANSLATION: The sky will burn at fifty-five degress, fire approaches the great New City. Immediately a huge, scattered flame leaps up when they want to have proof of the Normans.
ERIKA’S OBSERVATION: Bombing of New York — New York lies between 40 and 45 degress parallel in the USA. There are other references to it as the cite neufve. It appears that the attack is widespread (scattered flame). ( The Prophecies of Nostradamus, Erika Cheetham, Transworld Publishers, London, Edition 1990).
One must keep in mind that that New City doesn’t always mean New York. It can be New West minister or New Foundland. Both the cities are in Canada and their location is 49 degress north. Further where does the ‘Nomans’ come form. As far as the Third World War is concerned, the prediction is in the 51st prophecy of Century One.
THE ORIGINAL IN FRENCH: Chef d’Aries, Jupiter & Saturne, Dieu eternal quelles mutations?, Puis par long siecle son maling temps retourns, Gaule, & Italie quelles emotions?
ERIKA’S TRANSLATION: The head of Aries, Jupiter and Saturn, Eternal God, what changes! Then the bad times will return again after a long century; and turmoil in French and Italy.
ERIKA’S OBSERVATION: Possible war in 1955 — the conjugation of Jupiter and Saturn in Aries took place on December 13,1702 during the war of Spanish Succession ….. The next time the conjugation will be on September 2,1995. But World War didn’t happen in 1995. Again in Prediction 77 of Century Eight, Nostradamus says that the third Anti-Christ will be the reason for the Third World War. Erika’s interpretation further says that Nepolean was the first and Hitler was the second Anti-Christ.
The third Anti-Christ is Russian Communism or Chinese Communism. But nothing happened. In Prediction 62 of Century Two Nostradamus says that the name of the third Anti-Christ will be Matus and the Third World War will occur when the comet will pass i.e. 1986. Did anything happen?
Erika’s translation of Nostradamus is full of such contradictions.
We don’t get any hint of Bin Laden or Afganisthan as the possible third Anti-Christ. But the neo-Erikas have come up with more zeal after September 13 that the prediction of Third World War was made by Nostradamus between 1680-1690. And here’s a small bit of information : Nostradamus died in 1566. Isn’t that a contradiction in itself?
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