Matches made in heaven or genome?

The role of astrologers in Indian life, from birth to death, is regarded as immutable. Marriage, in particular, has been dependent on their divining skills since time immemorial. Though the newspapers’ matrimonial columns have helped anxious parents and singles by cutting out the initial legwork of identifying suitable available brides and grooms, compatibility is still determined by traditional astrologers who check the prospective couple’s lunar congruence in their charts.

But now there seems to be a very real chance that white coats and scientific equipment will supplant astrologers and their well-thumbed charts given the increasing popularity of so called DNA matchmaking. In short, matches may soon be made in laboratories rather than in heaven. Unlike in the west, however, in India, this scientific ‘advancement’ may be used more to decide on marriage prospects.

The genetic testing market in the Asia-Pacific region alone is projected to touch $2.48 billion by 2024. But the fact remains that even if a Harvard scientist’s recently unveiled app claims to help people find out at least who they are not (genetically) compatible with — to obviate chances of hereditary problems — neither DNA nor the stars can really foretell whether they will vibe otherwise. Even if love is dubbed a science, is it about biochemistry, not chemistry?