How an IIM Ahmedabad Topper Failed in Business
This incident took place around December 1994, just a few months before I founded the Dhilip Institute of Professional Astrology (DIPA). That is also the reason why the annual Astrology Diary I publish is known as the DIPA Astrology Diary, with DIPA being the abbreviation of my institute's name. I had recently returned to India (December 1994) after completing a 90-day work assignment at Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram in the Netherlands. During that period, I had the opportunity to deepen my research into Vedic Astrology while continuing my work as a computer programmer.
Do not miss the ending of this story.
One evening, during the fourth week of December 1994, a gentleman whom I shall call Mr. Sethuraman (name changed) visited my modest 80-square-foot office on Nathamuni Street in T. Nagar, Chennai. A mutual friend had referred him, saying: "You should meet Mr. Dhilip. His approach to Astrology is different, which is why many people call him the 'Scientific Astrologer.' He is also a computer programmer, speaks fluent English, holds a postgraduate degree in science, and uses his own software to cast horoscopes. You'll appreciate his modern approach."
However, Mr. Sethuraman was far from impressed by that introduction. In fact, he appeared somewhat irritated and began our conversation by saying, "People call you a 'Scientific Astrologer.' What has science got to do with Astrology? The two are completely different, don't you think?"
I smiled and replied, "They are the ones who call me that, not me. I have never claimed to be a 'Scientific Astrologer.' Others chose that description because of my analytical approach and my use of computers in astrological research."
The pointers in the horoscope
As the consultation progressed, I carefully examined his horoscope looking for something that could impress him. Several planetary combinations immediately caught my attention. They consistently pointed toward one conclusion, "he was not suited to owning or running a business." When I conveyed this to him, he looked at me in disbelief, almost as if I had made the biggest mistake of my professional career.
Sethuraman smiled and asked, "Mr. Dhilip, do you know my educational background?"
I honestly replied that I did not.
He said proudly, "I am an MBA topper from IIM A."
At that time, I was familiar with IIM institution. However I did not know what "A" meant. Seeing my puzzled expression, he explained that "A is for Ahmedabad" and added that the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, was India's most prestigious business school and the dream destination for MBA aspirants.
I listened patiently and then replied, "Your educational qualifications are undoubtedly impressive. But the planets do not alter their indications based on where a person studied or what degrees they possess."
I then asked him a simple question. "Are you currently running a business?"
"Yes," he replied. "I've been in business for more than four years."
Reader hint:
A new Mahadasha began in this individual's horoscope four years ago. Can you guess which one? Advanced students should be able to deduce the answer by the end of this article.
That answer immediately increased my concern. I told him, "If you value my advice, wind up your business at the earliest opportunity. Find a stable job and do not return to business again. Your horoscope shows a dangerous pattern of financial instability especially for the next 3 years. It indicates a cycle of borrowing money merely to repay existing debts. If you continue on this path, the consequences could become very serious. You will be forced to go back to a 9 to 5 job."
Unfortunately, he chose not to accept my advice or rather, the indications shown by his horoscope as revealed by the positions of grahas (Planets).
Failed Business
What made this incident particularly unforgettable was that Sethuraman was by no means an incompetent businessman. In fact, quite the opposite. Everyone who knew him admired his intelligence and his skills in business. He possessed an extraordinary ability to transform ordinary entrepreneurs into successful business owners. I personally saw several project reports he had prepared for his clients. They were thoughtful, innovative, and reflected the world-class business education he had received at IIM Ahmedabad.
Ironically, while his knowledge helped others succeed, it could not save his own business.
This is one of the many lessons my years of astrological practice have taught me. Thousands of similar stories are permanently etched into my memory. Academic knowledge, intelligence, and educational qualifications are undoubtedly valuable. However, they cannot always override the karmic tendencies reflected in one's horoscope. The planetary positions at birth often reveal strengths, limitations, and life patterns that operate regardless of a person's academic achievements.
During our conversation, he also mentioned something that stayed with me. He said that among many students in India's premier institutions such as the IIMs and IITs, it was common to dismiss Astrology and even make fun of Astrologers.
Yet life often presents us with fascinating contradictions.
Over the years, I have met highly successful entrepreneurs who never completed college because they struggled academically. Some of the successful businessmen have been school or college dropouts. Many of them have never heard of the Four Ps of Marketing or the marketing theories of Philip Kotler. Yet they have built thriving businesses and, in many cases, earn twenty to fifty times more than even the brightest MBA graduates from elite business schools of this world. How do we explain such contradictions?
Why does one individual with exceptional education struggle in business while another with little formal education builds enormous wealth? In my experience, the answer lies in Karma. The proof of Karma is in the horoscope. Without a horoscope there is no proof of Karma since Karma is an abstract term.
In the comments/discussion section below the article please guess what planetary period Mr Sethuraman was going through. Can you guess what are the planetary combinations that says "Avoid becoming a business owner". Or you may email your replies to me... ekdhilipkumar@gmail.com with subject Sethuraman IIM A. Let me remind you that I have already given you the clue.
Astrology does not deny the importance of education, intelligence, wisdom, effort, or planning. Rather, Vedic Astrology reveals the field upon which these qualities operate. When a person's karma supports a particular path, success often comes with comparatively less resistance. When it does not, even extraordinary talent and education may not produce the expected results.
For me, this incident remains one of the most unforgettable consultations of my career, demonstrating that while education can shape our abilities, the horoscope often reveals the direction in which those abilities are most effectively expressed. Actually there are 2 more interesting stories about Mr Sethuraman and me entered around Vedic Astrology. When I find the time, I assure you that I will publish the article.
The Surprise Twist to the Story
There is an unexpected ending to this story. Although Mr. Sethuraman's own business did not succeed, he played a significant role in the success of mine. During our interactions in early 1995, he generously shared his knowledge of business planning and management. He became my mentor and guide in my worldly life. He even prepared a detailed project report explaining how I could build and run a professional astrology practice. That report became one of the foundations upon which I built my career. More than three decades later, I still preserve it with great care.
Interestingly, my own horoscope contains strong Sanyasa Yogas, which occasionally make me lose interest in worldly pursuits, including my professional practice. Whenever I experience such phases, I take out the project report Mr. Sethuraman prepared for me and read it once again. Every time I do, it rekindles my enthusiasm and reminds me why I chose this path. For that invaluable gift, I shall always remain grateful to him.
This incident also taught me an important lesson. A person may possess extraordinary knowledge and the ability to guide others toward success, yet the same knowledge may not produce identical results in his own life. Such are the mysterious workings of Karma. Don't forget that Karma is revealed only by the horoscope of the person born on a particular date, time and place of birth.
Last but not the least, I bow with respect to IIM Ahmedabad for nurturing such a brilliant mind, and I remain deeply indebted to Mr. Sethuraman for the wisdom he shared with me. His guidance has contributed, in no small measure, to the professional Astrologer I am today. I wish I could write out his name here. If he reads this article he will know.
Please also read the following article on this website :https://www.astrologyekdk.com/blog/why-astrology-refuses-to-leave-the-stars-of-power-and-fame-in-india
My instagram. https://www.instagram.com/astrology_guru_ekdk/?hl=e
By Dr. E K Dhilip Kumar
Scientific Astrologer
Discussion(5)
Appreciate you sharing this experience with us Guruji!🙏 The client may be going through one of the planetary periods of 3rd, 7th or 11th lords! These lords need to be strong and not be associated with any of the dusthana houses or dusthana lords (6,8,12 lords) for any business to flourish!
Anuradha please guess what Mahadaha was he going through at that time? If you read the article carefully you should be able to find the answer.
@E K Dhilip KumarVery good article Guruji I think from your writing it's Ketu Mahadasha as you stated 4 years already passed and remaining 3 years as you always say end of Ketu Mahadasha is troublesome
@E K Dhilip KumarMy apologies Guruji! Reread the article, it was clear in the article what possible dasha it could be, somehow i missed it! Will be careful now onwards 🙏
1. Sethuraman finished his Mercury Mahadasha, and had recently entered his Ketu Mahadasha. Business started during his Me-Sa period. 2. Ra-Ke likely hold the 2-8 or 6-12 axis. 3. I have seen many people becoming extremely brilliant and also cracking tough entrance exams to enter top colleges during their Me Mahadasha. Often becoming class toppers etc.