They Are Not Pretending Anymore!

Marco Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference, delivered ironically on the day of celebration of love—Valentine’s Day

Marco Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference and the standing ovation it received have made it clear that the hegemonical powers are joined at the hip when it comes to their skewed perspective.

He asserts that NATO and the broader Western alliance ‘saved and changed the world’ and must remain strong in the face of new threats. European countries mainly fought each other and somehow saved the world! The height of absurdity in that assertion!

I have no intention to spew vitriol against any nation or their government. I am a spiritual being, and I love my planet in its entirety and wish that it remains a vibrant and colourful place in the future also. And the way things are going right now, our future is in grave danger!

I am also aware that the majority of the ordinary people everywhere are good natured and kind and when the good people are pissed off together, we can change the world in a day!

So, with that hope and in the light of recent events happening around the world, I felt the need to share my anguish at this naked display of arrogance and ignorance.

Marco laid out Trump Govt’s claim to upholding the legacy of great thinkers and scientists from the Old Continent and yet their puerile arguments, evil policies and might-is-right tactics effectively prove that their cerebral hemispheres are overshadowed completely by their baser instincts.  

Rubio, himself a child of Cuban immigrants, stressed upon an urgent alliance to bring back colonialism and missionaries at the behest of his capitalist overlords. While he hailed his colonial heritage, he managed to denigrate the ‘other’ side simultaneously.

He emphasised the need to fight against the sickle and hammer (Russia and China) to ensure Western dominance and exploitation. Somehow the evil cannot survive without creating an ‘other’, an ‘imaginary enemy’ and some kind of ‘fear’. The fear is the very foundation of their empire.

He also yakked on about not bothering with the minutiae of defence spending when it comes to ensuring western supremacy.

The summary of his speech reads like Hitler’s manifesto, driven by an urgent plea to ensure a renewal of Western hegemony over the world.

1.     Closing down free borders: According to the US govt., mass migration is the root of all evil in the western ‘Christian’ countries.

Stop bombing their countries to stone age and they have no reason to seek refuge in yours!

2.     Safeguarding the Christian faith: Enabling and facilitating the missionaries to continue their work once again like in the good old days of colonialism. His entire speech was an ode to the glorious colonial days.

Has the subtle tint of his whiteness blinded him to the suffering of his people under the colonial yoke? Has he already been fitted with one of the neural chips being worked upon by the tech giants to control mankind? The mistakes he makes while reading do sound like a glitch in the system.

3. Clamping down on the useless rhetoric of freedom and equality (PIGs of the Animal Farm think that ‘Some are More Equal than Others’).

4. Blatantly racist US govt policies and rhetoric is labelled ‘directness’ in the cause of ensuring European white supremacy. He wants European accolades for His Flatuency, who is working tirelessly to ensure that the whitest of white people can inhabit the Earth while all the other colours bleed into the cosmos soundlessly and invisibly. His overloads are already evaporating one of the colours into obliteration with thermobaric weapons.

5. White colonial Europe is the mother of White America. Some sort of Oedipal complex seeped into Marco the Plunderer’s speech in between.

6. While elevating European contributions to art and culture and science, the ignoramus completely negated the contributions of the rest of the world. As if the sun only shone on the old continent! He totally forgets that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West!

7. He even defended and glorified the murderous actions of the masked ICE agents as necessary to restore the Whiteness of the West, and he also goads the European leaders to follow suit.

Just watch this speech and tell me if your skin doesn't crawl at the outrageousness of what he is saying and implying!

I AM NOT JOKING. Check out the actual quotes from his speech here—

This is the path that President Trump and the United States has embarked upon. It is the path we ask you here in Europe to join us on. It is a path we have walked together before and hope to walk together again. For five centuries, before the end of the Second World War, the West had been expanding -- its missionaries, its pilgrims, its soldiers, its explorers pouring out from its shores to cross oceans, settle new continents, build vast empires extending out across the globe.

But in 1945, for the first time since the age of Columbus, it was contracting. Europe was in ruins. Half of it lived behind an Iron Curtain and the rest looked like it would soon follow. The great Western empires had entered into terminal decline, accelerated by godless communist revolutions and by anti-colonial uprisings that would transform the world and drape the red hammer and sickle across vast swaths of the map in the years to come.

https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/marcorubiomunichsecurityconference2026.htm

 

CURATORS AND JANITORS OF OUR OWN OBSOLETION

CODE JANITORS | NEURAL IMPLANTS | ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | TECHNOLOGY | SOCIETY | FUTURE

Tracing humanity’s journey from tools to automation, and now to AI curators and code janitors—guardians of our tangled digital world.

There is such a profusion of AI-generated garbage everywhere that need trained deep-cleanup crews.  Digital janitors to the rescue--People are training themselves and queuing up to be custodians of the internet. 

There is a heavy price to pay. While the big tech creating rules for AI clean up are western or based in Global North, the populations used to clean AI training data are outsourced from the Global South (Kenya, India and the Phillipines). These workers are exploited with really low wages and are especially selected because they are largely unemployable and have no other option. They absorb the psychological cost of filtering damaging, violent and soul-breaking content without any form of redressal or help. Video Source.

I long to go back to the days when our digital world could be shut down with a click and we could go back to living our lives for real. We can switch off even now, but it is a tad difficult, as our lives are inextricably tangled in the web of dependency threads. It happened slowly, deliberately and over a period of time.

They continue to hand us tools, and we happily continue to dig deeper holes to bury ourselves in. The contraptions of convenience are more expensive and shinier now, and we swim across oceans and fight a blizzard and sometimes sacrifice our families and mental peace to acquire them.

The blingy gizmos have become extensions of our body and mind. We label, adorn and clothe them with TLC and all the while still eye shinier things on the counter. We are never satisfied. Satisfaction is programmed to be always a step ahead, within reach but never quite there.

Homo Sapiens evolved to use tools and mechanisation for convenience and to reduce human effort, but the process and quest got replaced with the wrong objective. From harnessing natural energy and resources by using windmills and wheels, the aim shifted towards more independence and control.

By the 19th century and through the Industrial Revolution with large-scale automation of transport and communication, humans became operators rather than direct labourers. Gradually they kept ‘innovating’ more contraptions to eliminate the humans. They called it progress—this automation.

By the 20th century, mass production (assembly line, Ford) reduced human skill requirements; computing (ENIAC) began replacing human calculation. This elimination of humans from the system somehow became the benchmark test for all ‘progress’ in every arena. Doing things without humans was the new shiny goal serving the capitalist system.

By the mid-20th century, machines began to “think” and perform repetitive industrial tasks autonomously. And humans were carelessly flung on a flimsy pedestal and told to concentrate on creating things instead of ‘wasting’ time doing menial things.

But in reality, from being the centre of the universe, humans were slowly being relegated to a redundant status everywhere. Systems were created to recognise patterns and adapt and grow on their own without human oversight.

Artificial intelligence technology is designed to replace humans. They claim that the tech is here to augment and facilitate our work. But the way AI is learning and mimicking us daily with our own compliance and enthusiasm, it will soon adapt and develop further, sidelining us completely.

Presently, AI manages even creativity, curation, and code maintenance—removing humans from repetitive intellectual labour and shifting them toward ‘strategic’ oversight with an army of code janitors and human custodians of the digital world.

The AI curators and code janitors represent the latest stage where machines not only perform tasks but also organise, improve, and augment human-created systems with negligible intervention.

If we continue on this path, what’s next? Do we want to continue on this path, even after knowing what’s next?

The next frontier isn’t just automation of tasks—it’s automation of innovation and governance itself. We may see AI designing new paradigms of knowledge and even rules, laws and codes.

The next stage is already being labelled-- ‘post-human symbiosis', where AI merges with human cognition through brain–computer interfaces, genetic augmentation, or neural co-processing.

Elon Musk’s company Neuralink is already achieving this artificial synthesis with neural implants.

In November last year, Neuralink announced that it had implanted its brain chip in 12 people with severe paralysis. Noland Arbaugh, the first patient to receive the implant, said in an interview that the chip allows him to play Mario Kart, control the TV, and operate household appliances without having to move any part of his body. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/neuralink-to-begin-mass-production-of-brain-implants-in-2025-says-elon-musk-10453293/

While we might be happy with the medical use of this technology, but can we stop its misuse or lifestyle adaptation?

Actually, we cannot.

The perversion of this technology is already here with Ray-Ban Meta glasses. They are the stylish, accessible cousin of Neuralink’s implants. While Musk’s implants work from inside, the Meta glasses work externally translating neural or gestural signals into digital actions through a neural band accessory.

The challenge remains…How do we ensure that these systems remain aligned with human ethics, rather than drifting into self-serving logic controlled by a few?

What about privacy and consent?

Are we all already in a multiplayer game with no exit and no agency or control to change anything?

Where are the custodians and sentinels?

There is no OUT from this twisted web, is there?

‘Good News’: Absurdly Dark, Sarcastic & Weirdly Hilarious--A Must-Watch Movie

 I loved the way the movie jumps straight into the dark side of the moon— A place which exists but we never get to see. It refers to the truth that is hiding in plain sight—the reality, the true heroes, the ‘nobodies’ of our world who keep things moving and together in spite of all the chaos and plunder.

The movie shines light on the miracle workers whose ‘job is to freeze the water’, if their overlords wish to walk on water.

The dark comedy is set alight with ‘the ring of fire’, which doesn’t refer to any seismic zones but literally an arsehole and haemorrhoids.

A morally bankrupt capitalist on his last legs slapping the crap out of a spineless military general, further seals the tone of the narrative taken by director Byun Sung-Hyun.

The movie is about a misguided group of young Japanese revolutionary Marxists charging at the windmills like Don Quixote with a half-baked plan to hijack a plane to Pyongyang, when the windmills are manned by a bunch of unscrupulous spineless bureaucrats.

The plot is inspired by real events and follows what transpired with a heavy dose of sarcasm and the absurd.

Japan Air Lines Flight 351 was a scheduled passenger flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Fukuoka that was hijacked by members of the Red Army Faction of the Japan Communist League on March 31, 1970,[1] in an incident usually referred to in Japanese as the Yodogo Hijacking Incident (よど号ハイジャック事件, Yodogō Haijakku Jiken), after the aircraft's official Japan Airlines poetic nickname "Yodo" (meaning "still water").[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Air_Lines_Flight_351

I don’t intend to give away the spoilers, but some worthy mentions are in order.

·       ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ played in the background every time the American official spoke, implying that the so-called defenders of democracy sit safely on their thrones while riding heavy on the back of smaller nations who bear all the consequence. It instantly evokes the hollow claims made by Mango Mussolini about ending nine wars.

·       The reference to the Fastest Finger First and Clint Eastwood-style Western showdown between the South Korean and North Korean air traffic controllers, adding a dead Mexican playing maracas to bring in the Mexican standoff into the whole thing, is brilliant.

·       Hvorostovsky’s On the Hills of Manchuria playing as the North Koreans bombard the plane, with the hijackers sold on the idea of it as a welcome cannon salute. This scene illustrates the delusion of foolish idealism that lacks any solid grounding.

The movie momentarily descends into a slower pace in between to provide a moment of retrospection on the maddening events unfolding in the background.

The guileless, filthy rich men and women in power seem like invertebrate parasites—highly advanced creatures who exploit and kill their hosts to survive. They are the vilest of selfish human specimens who worry only about the optics.

The passionate young ones, on the other hand, jump into action without a concrete plan and stumble in the darkness. The situation is saved by a wise and experienced ‘nobody’ who intervenes behind the scenes to save the day.

My only grievance and quite a big one is the lack of a sane female character in the entire movie.

Now, go and watch the movie, before I tell you everything! It is worth it and shines like a pearl in the sea of imitation clams churned out by the corporate rating-chasers.

Let me know what you think, please.

Reclaiming Dhanteras—beyond gold and glitter.

Why do we Celebrate Dhanteras?

A mythic journey from cosmic churning to conscious healing—rediscovering the festival of Dhanteras exploring its roots in Ayurveda, spiritual balance, and mindful living.

Image Generated by Author Using CoPilot

Today is Dhanteras – A festival widely celebrated in many parts of India. While consumerism and profit-driven media portray it as a festival of material wealth and prosperity, its significance is rooted in the spiritual and holistic well-being.

Dhanteras is celebrated in the honour of Lord Dhanvantari, the divinely radiant and youthful physician of the gods.

When the Devas (celestial beings) and Asuras (powerful entities living in the forest realm) found themselves in the midst of an unresolved conflict, the weakened Devas approached Lord Vishnu. He proposed the idea of Sagar Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) with a tug of war to determine a winner.

He explained that the churning will yield the divine nectar or Amrit which would heal the gods and restore their strength. He advised the Devas to seek a temporary truce with the Asuras to help with the mighty task, promising to share the nectar equally.

On the thirteenth day of the churning, Lord Dhanavantari emerged out of the ocean holding a pot(kalash) of amrit—the elixir of immortality. He also held a conch shell (Shankha --representing the divine sound of creation), a discus (Chakra-- symbolizing the cycle of life), and medicinal herbs—embodying the wisdom of Ayurveda and nature’s pharmacy.

This day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi. The word “Dhan” means wealth, while “Teras” refers to the thirteenth lunar day. However, the wealth celebrated here is not merely material, it refers to health, the foundation of all prosperity. As the saying goes, health is wealth.

Lord Dhanvantari taught sages and physicians the art of healing, herbal remedies, surgery, and the principles of maintaining health through proper diet, clean lifestyle, and spiritual discipline.

Yet today, instead of seeking his blessings for health and wisdom, many are blinded by commercials urging them to buy precious metals on this day. The regrettable shift reflects a loss of connection with the festival’s original intent.

I believe that the metals mentioned may also refer to the essential minerals and nutrients required for our body to function well. These naturally occurring elements are vital to a balanced diet and wellness.

In South India, a special lamp called Yama Deepam is lit in the evening and placed facing south to honour Yama, the god of death. This ritual is performed to ward off untimely death and seek longevity and good health represented by Lord Dhanavantari.

The story of Lord Dhanvantari and Dhanteras offers deep spiritual wisdom.  The churning of the ocean mirrors our own inner struggle where both poison and nectar arise and how through knowledge and mindfulness, we can learn to choose what’s best for us. It also reminds us that opposing forces are nature’s way of maintaining balance on earth and how we must traverse between the material and spiritual to achieve wholeness. 

The teachings of Lord Dhanvantari have been preserved through generations, forming the foundation of Ayurvedic holistic healing.

The traditions we observe are not merely religious customs, they hold deeper spiritual and holistic wisdom, guiding us towards mindful living.

Unfortunately, modern interpretations have often distorted and reduced them to obscene displays of wealth and inane and detrimental practices like bursting of crackers which ruin ecological balance and peace and harm our health.

It is about time that we practice these rituals in their true sense reclaiming the wisdom lost somewhere in the folds of blind faith and religious fanfare.

·       Light earthen diyas to ward off negativity

·       Welcome positive energies by cleaning our homes and hearth to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

·       Prepare healthy and nourishing homemade food and traditional sweets to prepare our bodies for the winter ahead.

·       Share what we have with our neighbours and those in need.

Wishing everyone a healthy, meaningful, and joyful Dhanteras.

Please feel free to share your wisdom and the rituals you follow to make this festive season fruitful and meaningful. Thank you.

Why 'Chaos' is My Favourite Word?

‘Chaos’ I love this word. It is my favourite word in the English language — the one I believe, to be the genesis of everything, even the universe (Nasadiya Sukta, Hymn of Creation, Rigveda).  

To me, life is a series of chaotic rumblings and stirrings — an unpredictable swirling of randomness. Our brain is wired to seek structure through patterns and repetitions, but that doesn’t mean reality is so.

 Language itself compels us to shape and structure our thoughts and that is precisely why each of us arrive at multiple meanings and different perspectives. How did you first come across this word? Do you remember when you started liking it? Does it remind you of a particular moment, person, or memory?

 “One must have chaos within oneself to give birth to a dancing star.” 

Friedrich Nietzsche from ‘Thus Spake Zarathustra’.

 I don’t recall exactly when I first came across this word. However, during my undergrad studies, my favourite philosopher, Nietzsche, mesmerized me with this brilliant quote. It made me reflect deeply on the word itself — its power, its contradiction and paradox. If you had to describe your favourite word to someone who doesn’t know it, how would you do it? It is a paradoxical thing to explain. It is a word that defies all rhyme and reason. It is a giant mess of everything that somehow leads to sense — for what we perceive as chaos is often part of a larger cause and effect. 

 Do you like it more for its meaning or for how it sounds? Do you enjoy how the word sounds when spoken aloud? Does the rhythm, length, or spelling of the word play into why you like it? Do you associate your favourite word with a colour, sound, or image?

 The two syllabic word /ˈkeɪ.ɒs/ is perfect and sounds exotic! I love the way it stirs sharply at the back of the mouth (/k/ velar), glides seductively forward to the front /eɪ/ and then steps back /ɒ/ and ends with a breathy exhale /s/ and a dramatic flourish. If the word ‘chaos’ were a dance, it would dazzle the world with an emotionally charged volatile tango. It encompasses far more than its length suggests. 

It is an overachiever amongst words — leaping literally from nothing to everything. It goes from the deep, dark midnight blue of the universe to a chromatic whirl of abstract expressionism. 

 The word comes from Ancient Greek word χάος (khaos), which originally meant “abyss” or “a gaping void.” In Hesiod’s Theogony, ‘chaos’ was the primordial emptiness from which everything emerged — a yawning chasm before the birth of the cosmos.

 The term passed into Latin as ‘chaos’, keeping its sense of vast emptiness, and then into Old French in the 14th century. By the time it entered English, it still meant “immeasurable space” or “void”. Around the 1600s, influenced by Classical authors like Ovid, the meaning evolved to signify not just emptiness, but disorder, confusion, and a jumbled mass — the opposite of cosmos, which means order. Source

Press enter or click to view image in full size Nature is painted chaos…somehow it all works. Photo by Author. Shimla 2025 

What does this word mean to you personally? What feelings does the word bring up when you say or hear it? Does it connect to a value, belief, or philosophy you hold? 

 I believe chaos is the most essential seed of all creation. It evokes inspiration, hope, and the confirmation that in spite of or perhaps because of all the chaos in life, we can find our unique path and that life throws us again and again into the swirling mess, till we master the steps and learn to dance to its rhythm. Perhaps, things fall apart so that they can come together in a better way. 

 If your favourite word were a person, what kind of personality would it have? Does the word link to your culture, background, or language in any way? 

 Although, chaos often carries a negative connotation, I agree with Nietzsche that it is a necessary condition for evolution and creation. If Loki, the trickster, had a little more conscience and a little less shadow, I would choose him. But closer to home in Indian mythology, I would go with Shiva, literally ‘that which is not’, the cosmic dancer and the destroyer of negative forces who restores the balance between good and evil. 

 If you had to write a poem or story around your favourite word, what would it be about? 

Mistakes abound. 

I stumbled around. 

Searching semblance, 

orders ordained 

Realisation Reels, 

Nuclear Kneels 

That Chaos inside is 

Clarity in reprise 

That perfection is 

but a mirage. 

Chaos rumbles, 

dances, unifies, & underlines 

It is the ultimate universal update.

 If your favourite word could describe a phase of your life, which one would it be? 

Every single phase! It surrounds every moment. I feel I am a flibbertigibbet forever caught in between a flux of things and change. In any case, only dust settles. We are built for change, growth and wisdom in response to it all. 

 Would you ever get it as a tattoo or use it in art? Why or why not? 

While I admire artistic tattoos on others, I wouldn’t and cannot deliberately mark my body for I believe we as human beings are constantly evolving and a tattoo feels too permanent. 

 Besides, I have trypanophobia!!!!

 If you could give this word to someone else as a gift, who would it be and why?

I would gift it to a certain orange combover buffoon in the hope that he will attain the ultimate knowledge(brahman) and take samadhi somewhere on the vast expanse of his Mar-a-Lago estate and leave the word a better place.

The story is first published on Catharsis Chronicles on Medium and is inspired by a monthly prompt from the Chrysa Stergiou, editor of Catharsis Chronicles.

 © Anu Maheshwari, 2025. All rights reserved.

To Market, To Market: Food & Shopping Recommendations in Hanoi

 

#Travel # Hanoi

Vietnam Day 4

We planned to spend the day checking out some famous Hanoi old quarter streets known for their wares; Hang Gai (Hemp / Silk Street) and Hang Dau (Bags and Shoes) in particular. Many of the streets are named after the wares they sell, there is a silver jewelry street, and one that sells only chocolates, one with wooden handmade products like combs, spoons, etc. I forgot the name of the street which sells chocolates, but it is on the same street where the famous Bach Ma temple is located. Our day was exclusively set for shopping and indulging our taste buds.

We started with some street food right besides our homestay (Hanoi Old Quarter Homestay). We were recommended Bún Dậu Thập Cẩm and but maybe because the rice vermicelli noodle cake was served cold, the sausages and fried tofu were dripping oil, and the shrimp paste was quite pungent …we didn’t enjoy it very much.

I suggest going for fresh grilled dishes with rice/rice noodles and side dishes, instead of fried ones. We had a great time grilling our own food in one of those Korean style barbeque pavement joints (around the corner from our homestay) where we selected our own meat and veggies and had an exciting time listening to the sizzle on our stove grill and gobbling them down with chopsticks. This tabletop K Town grill experience is a must, especially for all the crazy K Drama fans!

For a quick bite while shopping, you can try Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake) Vietnamese omelette loaded with all the goodies you can think of! One must savour steaming hot Banh Bao (easily available in any of the street food joints) and Salty Cheese Buns at King Roti (Really yum…melts in your mouth!). The liquid nitrogen infused cereal balls also known as Dragon’s Breath are also a fun treat if you want some great videos of vapours escaping your nose and mouth! It tastes okay and we were fine after eating. However, do not indulge little kids just to be on the safe side.

For lunch, you can try Noodle & Roll. They have a great menu to choose from including vegan options. We went there twice as it was right behind our alley and was quite reasonable. We got to finally try fresh Vietnamese Spring rolls (Goi Cuon), and they immediately registered into our favourite food list along with Bun Bo Nam Bo and grilled meat on lettuce wraps! Many a times we have had Bánh mì (Vietnamese Bread Sandwich with choice of fillings) for an early lunch. Make sure, you have it at a street joint popular with locals and fresh and hot. It is a safe bet and fills you up for all the walking around.

For dinner, the quintessential Vietnamese Pho is a must try, although you can get it everywhere throughout the day. If you want to eat at a good restaurant with a decently priced menu, I highly recommend Gecko. Must try their Fish/Veg options in lemongrass flavoured tangy sauce with a side of rice and Cinnamon and Honey tea for a drink. We could never try any of the high-end restaurants as we would always grab a quick bite of something while roaming around and then would not be hungry enough for a proper fine-dining experience! We also missed out Cha Ca La Vong, Vietnamese turmeric fish with dill and noodles. I suggest you don’t miss it… and try it when you are there!

Our meal at Gecko, Hanoi.Photo by Author

The coffee lovers can try all sorts of coffee here. I personally liked the cold versions of Vietnamese coffee and make sure you load yourself with the Vietnamese instant coffee sachets for a steaming cuppa wherever you go! My sisters tried Vietnamese local beer and found it quite light and breezy. There are all sorts of international fast-food joints around the Hoan Kiem Lake area, but we avoided them like plague to save space for local cuisine at all times. Best decision ever!

The entire Old Quarter is a shopper’s delight. It has all sorts of bric-a-brac and is a lucky treasure hunt sort of experience overall. We got some nice bargains for good fancy bags, shoes, clothes, and souvenirs. The Hang Gai Street tailors promise you a customised outfit in 24 hours at a good bargain. We can buy the Vietnamese traditional costume Áo dài for just around (250000 VND/ 773 Rupees/ 11 $), or you can get it custom made in pure silk for around Rs 4000/- (55 $).

The Hanoi Night Market area (personal favourite) is lively during the day also with shops where you can drive a hard bargain and come out smiling ear to ear! Beautiful dresses, shoes, trinkets, caps, hats, silk scarves and shawls, you name it …and the place’s got it!

Every minute we had, after our walking sight-seeing tours, we headed straight to Old Quarter to explore a new street each evening. The Dong Xuan Market is a wholesale market, you can skip it unless you are looking for some good quality leather bags (inspired design copies and not in your face fake).

The French Quarter is mostly a high-end shopping area with elegant French architecture and wide-open spaces and roads, a complete opposite of the Old Quarter, but showcasing another part of Hanoi history and lifestyle. Do try Mochi Ice-cream at Kem Trang Tien, while checking out the Trang Tien Plaza. We didn’t buy anything inside the plaza, but it provides the cleanest place for a toilet break in the area!

Human Farming: The Dystopian Novel Plots are Turning Real One by One!

 Human Farming: The Dystopian Novel Plots are Turning Real One by One! | by Anu maheshwari | Feb, 2025 | Medium

“Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”: “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” Philip K. Dick

“There’s the story, then there’s the real story, then there’s the story of how the story came to be told. Then there’s what you leave out of the story. Which is part of the story too.” Margaret Atwood

Horrified at the new article I came across about enslaved and trafficked Thai women being injected with hormones and their eggs being harvested by Chinese gangsters in Georgia. A truly mafia-like cabal of global proportion! A globalised dystopian reality which cannot be unread/undone as it unfolds right before us.

While reading The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, I was plagued by nightmarish scenarios of it all coming true. With declining birth rates in countries across the globe, the situation is already at panic level. I somehow fail to understand this need to go to such inhuman lengths to ironically secure human survival.

The ideal approach would be to fix our family system itself which becomes a shackling strain for many women. Unless, both partners begin to actively contribute and support the relationship, the ‘family’ as we know it is set to dissolve. Without a support structure in place, it is difficult to raise a child. The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is absolutely true.

We need to make the entire ecosystem around a child better; from providing safe places at work to helping parents in need to providing equal pay for equal work to making parental leave for both parents mandatory to making our public spaces child friendly. Everything adds up and helps. The entire stigma around childbirth at workplace needs to go. Men still cannot give birth and men don’t menstruate, but they can empathize and be understanding towards those who do.

We are not at a stage and time where we can blame parenting for not being sensitive and humane enough. There is enough media available on these issues which one must come across on a daily basis. So, there is no hiding behind bad parenting if you still cannot get rid of toxic masculinity and shackles of patriarchal impositions.

What also helps is promoting farm fresh and organic food devoid of all chemicals and hormones. We need to immediately reduce the time and distance between the source and consumption of food items. Processed food items should not find an aisle in our lifestyle. That, in turn can also curb the rapid rise in cancer and lifestyle diseases which further lead to infertility in both men and women( there is nothing wrong with not wanting to reproduce, but I suppose if one wants and cannot, it becomes an issue which can topple governments and systems).

Every little change for the better contributes towards a better future. We need to seriously evaluate the very purpose of life. If the ultimate goal is happiness, the path might be closer and easier to achieve.

“Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” — C.S. Lewis

War, apartheid, misogyny, exploitation, consumerism, violence and the evils that plague our planet today are not part of some dystopian future, but very much present right here, right now. No avatar is standing on the horizon to rescue us anytime soon. Even the Avatars the internet is talking about are fictional ones. For now, we are the avatars and this is it. Let us live a better life.

“I was a warrior who dreamed he could bring peace. Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up.”

-Jake Sully.