The South Western Command of the Army has made a new start to impart astronomical and astrological learning to its ranks through a four-month training course devised by the Jaipur-based Bhara tiya Prachya Jyotish Shodh Sansthan.

The course is approved by Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University.

The first batch of “Dharam Gurus” of the Indian Army trained in the secrets of both supernatural and celestial passed out this past weekend.

The Commander of South West Command, Lt. General S.K. Singh, gave away certificates on completion of the course. Addressing the officers and men numbering about 40, Gen. Singh said the ancient science in which our countrymen were well versed could be put to use in the Army.

“While we sort out horoscopes of our sons and daughters to get them settled in a career or marriage, why this knowledge not be put to use in the Army? The Army Chief too recently spoke to me about such a course,” he noted.

The course includes theory and practical of the subjects in question and is aimed at training the ‘Dharm Gurus' for wider roles. If so far their assignments were confined to holding ‘puja' at the battalion-based temples they would perhaps help the Army in future in its strategic manoeuvres. Both jawans and non-commissioned officers were in the first batch. The training for the next batch of 40 will start this week.

The Army will pay for the course while the Sanskrit University will ensure quality of training modules.

Dr. Ramanuja Devanathan, Vice-Chancellor of the Sanskrit University who shared the dais with the Commander, hinted that the ‘Dharm Gurus' would need to improve their knowledge of Sanskrit and learn correct pronunciation of Vedic stanzas to do well in their new role.

The day was the last working day for Gen. Singh at this Command. He took over as Vice Chief of the Army in New Delhi on Monday.