KATHMANDU, April 21: The second South Asian Astrologers Conference organised with an objective of developing astrology as well as establishing a SAARC Astrologers Federation got under way here today.

The conference organised by the National Astrological Science Service Committee Nepal is being participated in by 500 representatives of various organisations from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives and Switzerland.

The three-day conference also aims to publicise astrology, formulate an action plan and attract the younger generation.

Inaugurating the conference, Chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee Parasu Narayan Chaudhari said although astrology has been based on theology and science since ancient times, it can have adverse effect if not practiced with proper knowledge.

The mathematics of astrology should not be different, otherwise it will be looked upon by the public with a narrow outlook, he said.

Chairman Chaudhari said the conference will give important guidance to the younger generation in its social use.

Nayab Badaguruju Dr. Madhav Prasad Bhattarai highlighted the importance of astrology.
Raj Parishad Standing Committee member Dr. Swami Prapannacharya pointed out the need to bring uniformity in astrological forecasts in the changing world context.

Chairman of future point of India Arun Banshal drew the attention of all towards the declining popularity of astrology.

From the chair, chairman of the conference main management committee and senior astrologer Prof. Dr. Mangal Raj Joshi said it needs study of mathematical principles to become an astrologer.
Also speaking on the occasion were Vice-Chancellor of Mahendra Sanskrit University Acharya Purna Chandra Dhungel, president of the World Hindu Federation Bharat Keshar Singh and Tilak Raj Poudel.