Mahesh Bang celebrates 20 years of excellence

World renowned vedic astrologer and vastu consultant, Mahesh Bang has marked an historic 20 years as a Sunday Tribune columnist.

Bang, who lives in Durban, has been practicing astrology for the past 30 years. Formerly from Jaipur in India, Bang is also a palmist and numerologist.

For more than 20 years, Bang has written his Soul Journey astrology column for the Sunday Tribune Herald every single week.

His association with this newspaper began on August 1, 2004 when he arrived at the Independent Newspaper building in Greyville, Durban.

Journalist Doreen Premdev, who used to work for the Sunday Tribune recalled that it was a Saturday morning when Bang had walked into the office.

“Dressed in a formal black suit, if my memory serves me well, he cut the image of a Bollywood actor. I was asked to interview him, as he spoke Hindi and I have an average understanding of the language. His uncle accompanied him and helped with translations. Mahesh said he was an astrologer, and started to explain the intricacies of astrology to me. I was intrigued by what he had to say, clearly he was well educated on the matter.

“A week later his story was published and that was followed by a flood of calls from readers. Mahesh became an overnight success. After 20 years he is still one of the leading astrologers in the country. I wish him many years of success and I hope the planets always align in his favour, said Premdev.

Niyanta Singh - Maharaj, consultant editor at the Witness, former Herald co -ordinator has also congratulated Bang on his success.

“Heartiest congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone of 20 years as a columnist for the Sunday Tribune Herald.

It seems like just yesterday when I had the privilege of introducing your astrological insights to our readers. Little did we know then that your column would go on to become one of the most beloved and eagerly anticipated features of the paper.

“Your wisdom, intuition, and uncanny ability to connect with people through your words have captured the hearts of readers far and wide. Over the years, we were flooded with hundreds of letters and emails from devoted fans, all eager to seek your guidance or express their gratitude for your advice. It was always a delight—and sometimes a challenge—to decipher your beautifully written thoughts from Hindi into English, ensuring that your predictions resonated with every reader, regardless of language or background.

“Your column not only offered guidance but also became a source of comfort and hope for so many. Your humility, warmth, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our readers and the Sunday Tribune Herald itself.

Thank you for sharing your extraordinary gift with us for two decades. May this celebration of your 20th anniversary be a reminder of the profound impact you’ve had and continue to have on so many lives. Here’s to many more years of your inspiring and insightful astrological guidance,“ said Singh-Maharaj.

To date Bang has responded to countless letters and emails from readers and continues to reply to requests sent to him through this newspaper.

Sandile Mdadane, Editor of Sunday Tribune said it’s not every columnist that has bragging rights to say they've reached a 20-year milestone in writing a weekly column for two decades uninterrupted.

“But with his popular Soul Journey column, astrologer, palmist, numerologist, and Vastu expert Mahesh Bang has done just that throughout the years. Bang's column has outlived many brilliant individuals who have held the position of Sunday Tribune editor, demonstrating its depth and importance. Bang's column differs from other astrology columns in that his primary focus is on helping others. In the past twenty years, the readers of the Sunday Tribune Herald have been enriched by Bang's insight,” said Mdadane.

He said 20 years is an impressive span of time, and staying relevant for this long underscores Bang's skill and resilience.

“The average lifespan of a columnist is anything between 5 and 10 years. Bang's longevity is demonstrated by a column that continues to draw readers in. It is a huge privilege for the Sunday Tribune to have a columnist of Bang's calibre. In the constantly shifting media landscape, the testimonials from readers and others he has assisted, as well as the deluge of letters asking for his assistance, are evidence of his efforts. On top of being so selfless, his predictions that have come true are proof of his calling, and the awards he has collected along the way speak for themselves. Cheers to many more years of the Soul Journey. A job well done, Mr Bang,” said Mdadane.

Bang’s aim is to instil intrinsic values in all who seek his advice and is devoted to help steer their lives in the right direction based on astrology.

He proposes solutions that purport to bring out real meaning and change in life providing solace and peace of mind with a vision to help individuals and society at large.

Bang wants the world to understand that astrology can be used in ways that will help mankind and create a life that is full of success and possibilities.

Using the occult subjects as tools for self-mastery he is able to offer in-depth natal astrology readings which address life issues, health matters, personal and business challenges, career opportunities, relationship potentials and future trends.

This is also matched by his global predictions that put him in the spotlight and for which he has received several awards and accolades.

On August 10, 2023, Bang was honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony in Mumbai, India, as the "best international astrologer for his accuracy". The award was presented by Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut.

On March 1, 2022 , Bang was awarded the "Best Globally Renowned Astrologer". He was honoured by Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia at the Global Fame Awards ceremony in Mumbai.

Bang has travelled to many countries and helped an innumerable number of people through his expertise.

His knowledge of astro science is the result of 12 years of dedicated learning, which he says never ends and regards himself as a scholar despite his multiple achievements.