Destiny’s child
Knowing Dr Shanker Adawal is like discovering a universe of pleasant contradictions.
He is a successful man of the world, yet one who has won equal renown in an esoteric field far removed from his area of professional activity.
A scholar whose work has been applauded and rewarded, but who, by his own humble admission, is still searching for the answers.
Having worked with Fortune 500 companies across the globe, he quietly confesses that his home and family are everything.
A man who has traveled the world, but who stands proudly committed to running an NGO supporting human rights in his neighbourhood.
A man who is frequently in the public spotlight as an important invitee, yet one who largely remains a deeply introspective and private person.
An author who has written extensively researched and celebrated books, but for whom editing a small social issues magazine is just as important.
An astrologer with a difference
Dr Adawal, or 'Shankerji' as he is affectionately called, is an MBA with a PhD in Economics, and a Jyotishcharya in Astrology. Working in the highest echelon in the Corporate world , he is also counted among the country's most respected and articulate astrologers.
His fascination with astrology began at an early age when he saw his father, the late Shri Kailash Chand Saksena dabble in this intriguing science. He was frequently by his side when he analyzed horoscopes or discussed the intricacies of interpretation with fellow astrologers and jyotish experts.
This desire to emulate his father grew into a hobby, and later into a serious preoccupation. “Today”, says Dr Adawal, “astrology is my preferred passion”.
A significant aspect of his work is the way he seeks to use astrology to help people. To him, astrology is a ‘responsibility’ – a service he feels called upon to render to persons in difficulty.
While he emphasizes that astrology promises “no miracles”, he keenly propagates its use as an “alternate or supportive therapy” to mitigate problems and improve one’s quality of life in the years ahead.
Dr Adawal admits that, in the course of counseling the scores of different people who flock to his free consultancy sessions at his residence on weekends, he has himself ‘grown’ as an individual. He appreciates that the experience has made him much more patient and understanding of both people and the complexities of life.
“People come to me and feel they can confide in me. I can then use this trust to help them… to make the society and the world a better place to work and live in,” he adds.
Intensity of commitment
The deeper Dr Adawal has delved into the study of astrology, the more acutely he has felt the need to share his findings with the people.
The result has been nine path-breaking books that offer a refreshing new perspective on crucial aspects of prediction and divination. More importantly, these works have been written in a style that both beginners and seasoned practitioners find comprehensible and appealing.
Some of these include, a book titled ‘’Profession’, an exploration of the horoscope-driven compatibility of individuals with different vocations ; ‘Bhrigu Samhita’, that demystifies the esoteric predictive techniques associated with this system; and two books dedicated to the overwhelming and complex influences of key planets in our lives – ‘Mars & Mercury’ and ‘Jupiter & Saturn’. His book on ‘Relationships’’ has been well appreciated by the youth .His book, on ‘Sun and Moon’, has been equally commended and well received. The recent hot sells have been, Know Your Astrology and know about Transit of planets.
Since all these works have been born of intensive and extensive research, Dr Adawal has found himself drawn into a life of relentless reading and passionate study. Today, his personal home library already comprises over 3,000 volumes on a wide range of themes. “Astrology has made me a vigorous reader of all kinds of books and research material, which has enhanced my knowledge in many subjects,” he says.
But then the affinity with the printed word comes naturally to Dr Adawal, coming as he does from a distinguished and academically brilliant family. His father, Shri Kailash Chand Saksena was a Physics topper at Allahabad University and later employed with the Defence Research and administrative service. His mother, Dr Krishna Saksena has a PhD in English Literature, and retired as a senior lecturer from Delhi University.
Compassion and understanding
For a man who has been listed in the World’s Who’s Who, who has been bestowed the ‘Shiromani’ and ‘The Economist’ awards, and who contributes regularly to reputed international journals and websites, Dr Shanker Adawal remains extremely unassuming and humble.
He calls his wife Renu his ‘moral strength’, and his eight year old daughter Vrinda his true ‘stress buster’.
He runs an NGO dedicated to projects for the upliftment of the poor, women and children. Called ‘Manavadhikar Samajik Manch’, it’s an organization that is now in its 16th year of operation.
He edits a monthly magazine named ‘Human Touch’, that highlights social issues.
Taking note of his exemplary contribution to the field of human rights, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has nominated him to the membership of the National Council of Older People (NCOP).
The final measure of his large-heartedness and selfless service is his readiness to offer his unique knowledge to any seeker for free. Virtually anyone can visit him on Sundays and be blessed with astrological guidance… counsel that may well change his life forever.