Timing not right for astrologer

POLICE in Hyderabad detained a well-known astrologer for allegedly insulting women in his almanac, Tamil Nesan reported.

It said the Kalachakra Panchangam, written by Gargeya Daivagna and released last Friday, a week ahead of the Telugu new year Ugadi tomorrow, had landed him in controversy for his prediction of a girl’s future by basing it on her first menses, which is the onset of puberty.

According to the almanac, if a girl attains puberty after sunset, she would become a prostitute, a widow if it is attained at midnight and a thief if it is in the evening.

Women’s organisations and child rights activists had complained to the state Human Rights Commission, which then directed the police to submit a report.

Asking for the almanac to be banned and withdrawn from circulation, the complainants said such unscientific writings were an insult to women and violated the rights of children.

Astrologers release almanacs each year that make forecasts which are read during Ugadi celebrations.

> The Selangor Government has been urged to rename Jalan Barat in honour of well-known trade unionist Dr V. David before the general election, Malaysia Nanban reported.