How much of a problem is an astrology workshop at IISc?

Instead of trying to eradicate belief in pseudoscientific ideas by diktat, perhaps we should start addressing the factors whose interplay provides a breeding ground for those ideas

Astrology is not a science and belief in it, to the extent to which it leads people to sometimes act irrationally (e.g. letting it interfere in the life choices of young women and men), can inflict great harm. Scientists have an obligation to combat it.

On November 25 and 26, the alumni association of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, had planned to conduct an astrology workshop. Not surprisingly, the event surprised as well as shocked many scientists. IISc is one of India’s oldest modern research institutions. It wields considerable clout as a research and academic body among students,