Scientists' registered body opposes inclusion of astrology in BAMS by NCISM

Ever since the National Council for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) decided to include astrology in BAMS, it is being opposed by scientists. The registered scientist's body Breakthrough Science Society has released a statement against the move and said that it will produce medical practitioners with an irrational bent of mind.

Breakthrough Science Society, which is a registered scientists' body, released a statement on Wednesday against the decision of Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) to include astrology in the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) curriculum. The Breakthrough Science Society said that such inclusion will produce medical practitioners with an irrational bent of mind.

While strongly opposing the move, the scientists' society said, "The Indian education scenario has deteriorated so much that nothing seems impossible now. The most recent example is the National Council for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM), offering a course in medical astrology in the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery programme. Newspapers report that more than 1000 students have registered for this ridiculous course."

The statement quoted Dr Sanjeev Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, who said this course will help students because “the changes in planets and constellations according to a

person’s natal chart have a direct effect on the health and mind of humans.” Mr Sunil Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, Delhi Chapter, welcomed the move, saying, “Many diseases are caused by the imbalance of vata-pitta and cough, which can be identified by studying the planetary placements.”

"The Breakthrough Science Society asserts that astrology is a set of beliefs that have no scientific basis. Distant objects like planets do not affect human physiology or psychology in any way, and the knowledge of planetary placements has no medical value. This sort of unscientific belief system incorporated into the curriculum will produce medical practitioners with an irrational bent of mind and will undermine the medical practice itself. While we favour serious scientific research to retrieve any scientific kernel that may be present within Ayurveda, mixing it with the totally unscientific belief system of Astrology will harm Ayurveda itself," added the statement by Breakthrough Science Society.

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