At a book signing

In Calcutta being awarded for his research work in palmistry.

On tour, seen here at the Ten Speed Press booth during the Canadian Booksellers Association tradeshow.

Presenting a diploma in palmistry.

With Quebec actor Gabriel Arcand.

Quebec recording star Mitsou having her prints taken.

With recording artists Marie Carmen and Judi Richards.

With members of the Cambodian community.

Centers & Service

Establishing His First Palmistry Center in India

Simultaneously, however, Ghanshyam was also enrolled in the All India Society of Occult Sciences Research, receiving an Honorary PhD in June 1968. In Delhi, he established his first Palmistry Center, where people from all walks of life came to him for counsel. This center also contributed to his on-going research in the efficacy of palmistry.

While running his center, Ghanshyam also worked for eight years with the Indian Government. In 1970, he applied and was chosen out of 500 applicants to come to Montreal, Canada, to do hand readings.

Ghanshyam doubted the wisdom of his decision, coming to a strange land, speaking little English, leaving his family and the security of a respected Government position.

The Palmistry Center in Montreal

Shortly after his arrival in Montreal, clientele requested that Ghanshyam begin giving classes. Soon demand necessitated that he open a center in French-speaking Montreal. With the help of Judy Freppel, a psychologist and former President of the Quebec Association of Psychologists, in 1972 the National Research Institute for Self-Understanding (a.k.a. Palmistry Center) was incorporated by the Federal Government to enhance public awareness of the original purpose and authentic practice of palmistry. Ghanshyam was asked to present his research to the Canadian Association For Medical Anthropology and to the Canadian Psychological Association, and lecture at McGill and Concordia universities in Canada and Burlington College in the United States. He also developed the community-based educational television series Self-Discovery Magazine and Être bien dans sa peau for broadcast throughout Canada.

In 1996, the 3rd International Congress of Alternative Medicine in India acknowledged Ghanshyam's work in astro-palmistry by conferring on him an honorary doctorate. His books are now included as part of the curriculum in the Calcutta-based Indian Board of Alternative Medicine. Today Ghanshyam is director of one of North America's most respected schools for palmistry and astrology with over 100,000 handprints in his research files. Graduates have opened their own schools and centers in Canada and abroad.

Ghanshyam's Books Go International

Ghanshyam is an authority on the vedic sciences with 3 books published by Inner Traditions International. Since 1999 he has been on a whirlwind tour promoting Love in the Palm of Your Hand (translated into five languages) and Magnet Therapy: a Gentle and Effective Way to Balance Body Systems. In June 2000 he released his third book - Destiny in the Palm of Your Hand: Creating Your Future through Vedic Palmistry.

Ghanshyam is busy with his practice seeing over 1,000 clients a year. A hectic travel schedule keeps him occupied with book signings, interviews, lectures and seminars. Meanwhile, he continues his mentoring program to countless students who seek him out to learn palmistry and astrology for personal interest, self-development or a career.

Hand Print Gallery

In 1992, Ghanshyam developed a handprint exhibit, representing a sampling of the 70,000 handprints he had collected over the years. It contains the handprints of famous and "infamous" personalities, including the prints of many leading figures: Bishop Bernard E. Jordan and Muni Susheel Kumar (religious leaders); Liona Boyd (classical guitarist); Lord W. Wyatt (Member of British House of Lords); Karen Kain (National Ballet of Canada); Gino Vanelli, Dionne Warwick and Joni Mitchell (recording artists); Dr. Hans Eysenck (world-renowned psychologist); Randy Quaid and Sandra Bernhardt (actors); Margaret Atwood (writer); Lynn Johnson (creator of cartoon feature, "For Better or Worse"); and Alex Colville (painter). Out of Ghanshyam's research, many interesting handprints are on display, such as yogis, murderers, millionaires and many others.

The Gallery was accepted as one of the official celebration activities for Canada 125th Birthday. For this project, Ghanshyam received an official commendation for outstanding contribution from the Governor General of Canada, The Honorable R. Hnatyshyn.

Community Service

Ghanshyam has lectured to private groups and associations such as challenged young adults, Aids Association, the Cancer Society, the B'nai Brith, gifted children's programs, the Engineers' Society and ARCAD, which sponsors visits to the men and women penitentiaries.

Village Lac Dumouchel: Retreat Center

What began in May 1972 with 300 square feet of office space in Montreal has expanded into a 300-acre estate in the country which serves as an international facility for studies and services in Vedic palmistry and astrology, and ayurvedic healing.

Future Goals

To help as many people as possible through Ayurvedic systems of healing which includes palmistry, astrology, and magnet therapy.

Quotes & Testimonials
Background & Education