A Conversation with Mr. Alok Khandelwal (Asttrolok): Pioneering the Future of Vedic Science

Asttrolok, founded on September 3, 2016, is a premium education and consulting platform dedicated to the propagation and democratization of Vedic sciences. The brainchild of Alok Khandelwal and his childhood friend Kshitij Shivprasad, Asttrolok offers a comprehensive ecosystem for astrology, yoga, Ayurveda, Vastu, numerology, and palmistry. Under the leadership of Alok Khandelwal, the platform has grown into a global presence, empowering individuals with the profound wisdom of these ancient sciences.

Asttrolok stands out as a 100% tech-driven platform, boasting a team of over 150 dedicated professionals. The institute breaks stereotypes by providing fact-based, practical insights into astrology, moving away from the money-centric practices often associated with the field. With a motto of ‘LEARN ANYWHERE-EVERYWHERE,’ Asttrolok aims to create a world filled with knowledgeable astrologers and Vedic science experts.

In this exclusive interview, with Mr. Alok Khandelwal, the Founder and Managing Director of Asttrolok, we delve deeper into his journey, vision, and the transformative impact of Vedic sciences on personal and societal levels.

Meet Alok Khandelwal: The Visionary Behind Asttrolok

Alok Khandelwal is not just a renowned astrologer but also a life coach, motivational speaker, and successful entrepreneur. His academic prowess is demonstrated by prestigious degrees such as Jyotish Bhushan, Jyotish Ratna, and Jyotish Rishi, alongside an MBA in Marketing, an MA in Psychology, and an MA in Economics. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Khandelwal has established himself as a leading authority in astrology and Vedic sciences.

Under his leadership, Asttrolok has achieved remarkable milestones, including a global reach spanning more than 50 countries and an educational setup that has trained over 50,000 students online.

Inspired by his esteemed guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and following the teachings of K N Rao, Mr. Khandelwal is committed to dispelling misconceptions about Vedic science and promoting it as a rigorous, fact-based discipline.

Join us as we explore Mr. Khandelwal’s insights on revolutionizing the perception of astrology, his commitment to nurturing authentic Vedic science experts, and his mission to create a reliable ecosystem that supports holistic personal growth and professional development.

1. What initially sparked your interest in the field of astrology and Vedic science? Was there a specific experience or individual that drew you to this path?

Astrology in India has currently become a subject that has been covered by myths and vague notions. People nowadays do not believe in the astrological solutions to a problem, however effective they may be. This was something that got under my skin. It gave me a push to strive in the direction of breaking the stereotypes and myths surrounding astrology, which proved to be instrumental in sparking my interest in this field, and consequently helping me found Asttrolok.

2. Asttrolok aims to demystify the misconceptions surrounding astrology. Can you share some of the most prevalent myths you encounter, and how do you address them in your work?

When I disembarked on my journey, I encountered several myths which gradually were proven wrong. Some of the biggest myths that I encountered were those of the people looking at astrology as a branch of science, or its offshoot, some expected astrology to give them the exact date of the occurrences of events throughout their lives, while some people thought that astrology pronounces a verdict on their fates and destinies.

One such myth that is frequently spread is the idea that borrowing money plant from someone else instead of purchasing a money plant yourself will bring success. The theory goes that money plants produce a lot of oxygen, which is why people who have them in their homes feel energized and driven. The truth, however, is that, as the name implies, they might bring money or prosperity to some people. However, I disagree with the statement that money plants shouldn’t be purchased by us. Positive thoughts and feelings will draw wealth, health, and prosperity, all of which will contribute to your happiness.

In the beginning, dusting off this cobweb of misconceptions seemed like an uphill battle. However, with our team of seasoned professionals who are experts in providing the most accurate astrological consultation services, we conducted various seminars and lectures across the length and breadth of the country to break these myths. We have even been successful in filling up our duties, and we look forward to keeping the good work going.

3. How do misconceptions about Vedic science create challenges for its acceptance in mainstream education?

The misconceptions surrounding Vedic science and astrology hamper the consolidation of the people’s belief in these branches. Even the modern system of education keeps astrology at an arm’s length, which further aggravates the plight of this branch of Vedic science. Moreover, this education system does not impart any considerable degree of educational worth in comprehending the zodiac signs and astrological calculations to the students, which has made this branch of sciences an annihilated one. Similarly, the popular belief too lacks credibility in the astrological services of the present-day situation, or it is not ready to accept them under the excessive influence of the Western trend. I think these are some of the problems that have made the acceptance of Vedic sciences difficult in modern-day education.

4. How can we differentiate between responsible astrology practices and superstitious beliefs?

Responsible astrological practices and superstitious beliefs are the opposites of each other. The former term involves different actions like providing the most accurate astrological solutions to one’s problems, breaking the myths around the subject, interpreting the zodiac signs accurately, and predicting the occurrence of events in one’s life.

On the other hand, all forms of superstitious beliefs tend to be factually hollow from within which is a redeeming feature towards spotting them out. These beliefs do nothing else than make the credibility of astrological tools seem difficult.

5. What steps can be taken to make astrology and Vedic sciences more approachable to a scientific audience?

First of all it is indispensable for us to rope in trained professionals who may be well-versed in comprehending astrological concepts as much as they may be capable of explaining them to others. Second, I think it is important to bind Vedic science with modern-day science to readily foster an integrated approach toward understanding it. Third, we must, as a collective unit, reach out to larger and larger masses in trying to create awareness about the methods involved based on empirical research on the field and scope of the subject followed by providing them with the right set of consultation services which would establish their brief in the solutions provided.

I think by following these enlisted measures, we may be able to transform astrology into being a most approachable branch of Vedic sciences to the scientific audience.

6. According to common belief, Astrology and Vedic Science are often stigmatized as a subject that often pushes an individual in the direction of superstitions, especially in India. Can you suggest ways to integrate Vedic principles into daily life to showcase their practicality?

There are hard-bound ways that may ensure the uprooting of superstitions and guarded misconceptions that revolve around Vedic sciences. However, there are some ways by which, Vedic principles may be incorporated in the everyday lives of common folks.

First and foremost, one should follow a strict routine after leaving the bed which is also called Dincharya as per Vedic terminology, and must carefully sketch out their plans for the day. Secondly, they must indulge in the worship of the highest consciousness, that is the Parabrahma, which would allow the emanation of a synergy of positive vibes in our consciousness. Thirdly, one must follow a vegan diet, that is Saatvik Aahaar, to abstain from developing any degree of animal consciousness. Fourthly, the individual must follow the path of virtue and righteousness to be able to obtain the best results of his actions throughout his life. Performing Yoga regularly too helps a lot in this direction.

These measures should help the individual in integrating the Vedic principles into their daily lives correctly.

7. What are your thoughts on the growing interest in mindfulness and wellness – can Vedic sciences capitalize on this trend?

Mindfulness and wellness can effectively be incorporated by the virtue of Vedic Sciences in our everyday lives. This can be done through performing Yoga religiously which would allow positive vibes to get transmitted throughout our bodies. Similarly adopting the principles of Ayurveda can help us repair the punitive impacts of various lifestyle diseases on our bodies, amidst the deteriorating quality of our lives.

On the other hand, we can consult Astrology and Vastu Shastra to combat the problems related to one’s zodiac signs and inharmonious living spaces respectively. I think these are enough to satisfy our purposes.

8. In your opinion, what is the responsibility of educators and media in promoting a balanced perspective on astrology?

I think, educators and media personnel have an earnestly crucial role to play in promulgating a balanced perspective on astrology. The former ones have got to fill in the duties of a life coach instead of merely considering their customers to be cash cows out of whom, they may make as much money as possible. Moreover, they are bound to provide the most accurate solutions to the problems of their audiences from an astrological point of view.

On the other hand, the latter needs to exhibit a balanced and responsible role while speaking about astrology. The media must also necessarily perform the essential validation and verification of the facts of the subject they are aiming to present to their viewers, to justify credibility.