Suddenly breeding special species of human beings has gained
currency amongst intelligentsia in the country! A leading film star, John
Abhram made waves by declaring that every third girl in the country is dying
for donor sperms to raise a progeny which will be a class apart in terms of
macho looks and brawn! The IVF clinics in the country are having a field day in
making tall claims and promises for those without kids! Lord Krishna’s elder
brother Balrama was born to parents Devaki and Vasudeva as their seventh son.
According to the mythological scripts, King Kansa of Mathura was cursed that he would be killed by
the eighth son of his sister Devaki. So he killed all the children till the
seventh soon after their birth. The seventh child, Balrama was transplanted in
the womb of Rohini , another wife of Vasudeva and was therefore born safely
without the knowledge of Kansa. So the humans even in the times of great epic
Mahabharata were familiar with these techniques. Lord Krishna was born as the
eighth child but the entire set of guards was put to sleep on the stormy night
by the divine power while Vasudeva carried the new born crossing the turbulent
river Yamuna to leave him in safe custody of Yashoda..
Likewise the Kuravas were born from the nectar kept
in a container( kalash) to raise a race of a hundred brothers born to Gandhari
wife of Dhrithrashtra in the story of Mahabharata. This has resemblance to the
current stem cell technology when the single foetus of Gandhari was broken into
hundred and one pieces and preserved in ‘Kalash’ very akin to the test tubes of
modern times. These were incubated till the birth of children under
supervision. And thus a hundred sons and a daughter called Duhshala were born!
The techniques of artificial insemination has been used by
the humans to breed better cattle, horse, cows who are a better race in terms
of the end products they create for human consumption.
During the Second World War Hitler was obsessed with the
idea of creating a race of blue blooded Nazis. . Himmler ordered weird experiments
on women in the concentration camps by Dr Carl Clauberg on artificial insemination in Auschwitz and other places In the process a
lot of women suffered at the hands of these mad scientists!
The doctors and researchers had been obsessed with the idea
of creating a genius like Einstien, a musician alike Mozart and so on. Currently,
the new generation wants to breed a new set of off springs having unique set of
intelligence and looks. This fascination for having superior breed of humans
has existed from times immemorial
I sometimes wonder that how the god’s ways of sustaining the
world and creating a future generation is being explored to create another
brave new world. How will it be if a lot of children had looks of Shah Rukh
Khan and Aishwarya Bachhan, intelligence of brilliant scientests like Einstien,
musicians like Tansen and voices of great singers in a few years from now.
PS: I
was prompted to write this post after hearing a young girl tell her mother
after watching the movie, ‘Vicky Donor’ that why did she not go for a donor
instead of producing her brother who was constantly fighting with her!
Image : Kind courtesy Google
Image : Kind courtesy Google
Make oneself better is. Something else and to create something best is something else.Women have been chalanging God since very long by changing face complexion,hiding dark circles, wearing lenses,and so on.no wonder if they want a perfect progeny as per their choice.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you Arooj! We must not play with nature beyond a point:)
DeleteMake oneself better is. Something else and to create something best is something else.Women have been chalanging God since very long by changing face complexion,hiding dark circles, wearing lenses,and so on.no wonder if they want a perfect progeny as per their choice.
ReplyDeleteMake oneself better is. Something else and to create something best is something else.Women have been chalanging God since very long by changing face complexion,hiding dark circles, wearing lenses,and so on.no wonder if they want a perfect progeny as per their choice.
ReplyDeleteMake oneself better is. Something else and to create something best is something else.Women have been chalanging God since very long by changing face complexion,hiding dark circles, wearing lenses,and so on.no wonder if they want a perfect progeny as per their choice.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful post indeed. Today artificial insemination is being apparently used to create designer children instead of helping childless people. The quest for perfection is being taken to ridiculous lengths. On another level this is also being seen as a way of liberation for women, who don't need to suffer the male even to beget a child.
ReplyDeleteTrue Zephyr but how can one say that they lead a full life without tasting the forbidden fruit:)Designer children is an overkill and ridiculous according to me!
DeleteLOL PS part is awesomely funny!
ReplyDeleteBut then this is Uffff a very sensitive topic indeed, but thought provoking, I mean producing offspring was once natural now it has changed way of life and is challenging nature itself!
my personal opinion on raring for some superior breed is that each one of us are unique and have immense potential so lets find and encourage the true self in our next generation instead of striving to build a whole new world, for all the world with strongest ppl have eventually collapsed and Nature has won constantly
Ramya, I liked the way you mentioned about the uniqueness of each individual! Thanks for this value added comment:)
Delete:-) Very nice read, Rahul. :D I would not prefer a world with people who looked like Shah Rukh Khan and Aish Bachchan. I like the world just the way it is :D Instead, they could focus on less crime. Iknow - total tangent....but reading the newspapers every day is getting to be more and more tortuous.
ReplyDelete:-) Are you on Twitter?
Cheers and have a great day!
Agree with you, Vidya that having too many good looking people are of no use if they are not kind at heart:) Am on Twitter too though do not explore its full potential due paucity of time:)I do not read newspaper for days as there is so little to learn from them now:)
DeleteLol@P.S seriously kids these days r so smart...its a bit scary! Everything has its downside, and I suppose this is one of the downsides of artificial insemination.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Ria! This girl is around 20 :)
DeleteOurs is a country obsessed with looks and intelligence. If every second person looks like a Khan or a Rai it would become boring & mundane.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing isn't it that our epics talk about artificial insemination & stem cell technology !
Agree in toto Ram! Our mythology is just amazing when it comes to farsightedness! Thanks a lot!
DeleteErmm...was the little girl innocently hinting that the fighting genes came from the dad?Just curious:D:D The possibilities are endless,of the world having clones like,Angelina J IV Bhatia or Brad P VI Kulkarni on the streets.Had fun reading and my wicked mind is racing with thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSharmila, you too got me thinking on a different level with mention of Brangelina:) BTW your new profile pic is nice!
DeleteThe movie is supposed to be awesome, and I cant wait to watch it. The post was very thoughtful and all the references were apt.
ReplyDeleteand the PS part, totally an ROFL :-) Great post Rahulji.
Am yet to see the movie, Jenny but the remark from that young girl sowed the seed for this post:)A big thanks for that comment!
DeleteInteresting topic of discussion, I don't think that 'test-tube' progeny in every case, especially when there is vanity involved. People who are obsessed with creating offspring that are intellectual geniuses or have incredibly good looks are doing it for the wrong reasons. I do feel however, that in the case of parents who cannot conceive, or have medical related problems in having kids should be freely able to use the method of donors and such. I don't like to believe in the notion of a 'superior breed', i'd like to think we are all equals.
ReplyDeleteSam, I think you just spoke my mind! IVF et al are fine for those who cannot conceive but for designer children, it is just ridiculous:)A beautiful comment like always from you:)
DeleteThe reference and mapping of incidents from the Mahabharata epic with stem cell technology was brilliant! Times are changing too fast, the PS part stands testimony to this fact.I just wonder how its all going to shape up, 50 years from now. Very thoughtful post indeed!
ReplyDeleteArti, a huge thanks for liking the post! I only hope the world in 50 years is better if not worse from what it already is:)
DeleteInteresting analogies to Mahabharata..I mean if the Kauravas were hatched in pots( or isn't that how the stories go?), well, that was the ancestor to testtubes right? :) (PS: I dont think SRK is a good candidate for handsome male is he now?? I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot of hate mail for that remark..;)
ReplyDeleteJust imagine those people knew exactly thousands of years ago what people make a big fuss about now! In the process of evolution we unlearnt more at least in many domains , I feel:)SRK and Ash were just examples not that I had them specifically in mind:)
DeleteInteresting! I didn't knew the epic Mahabharata's incidents like how Kauravas were born. It is amazing that even in the olden times (Mahabharata/Ramayana times) we were very much advanced in technology, medicine and every field. In Ramayana, Ravana travelled by air (By Pushpak Viman)!
ReplyDeleteI, certainly don't want to see many Shah Rukh Khans around. :)
very thoughtful n interesting post!
Exactly, Kitty! We have treasures in form of epics but somehow we do not get to read them:)A sincere thanks to you for that kind comment!
DeleteSuch an interesting post! Yes people do seem to be obsessed by this idea. Just imagine, several Sachins here and there, plenty of Karina kapoors all over ..... :)
ReplyDeleteTrue Rupreka! God has created a perfect world for us ! We just need to take care of it , rather than manipulating it:)
DeleteThis is a thought-provoking post. Really...what would the world be like if we designed our kids. One hell of a talented world but imagine what the race to fame would be like; it's bad enough already.
ReplyDeleteSo true! A huge thanks for following my blog!You made my day:)
DeleteI am a biologist and a genetist....but I truly dislike the abuse of science, this is not what we should aim to....
ReplyDeleteDon't Call Me Fashion Blogger
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Wow, You are a biologist, genetist and a fashion designer all rolled in one:) What you say is true, Francesca:)
DeleteCan't help remembering a little boy whose pregnant mum asked if he'd like a baby brother or sister. He thought a while and then said, "Ghodo" (horse).- Gradually this idea of producing perfect babies will gain acceptance, I guess. Not knowing what to expect and being ignorant, I'm full of trepidation at the thought. What puzzles me is Hitler wanting tall, blond, blue blooded Aryans. Either he hadn't seen himself in the mirror or perhaps, one always wants what one lacks.
ReplyDeleteThese are exactly my thoughts:) This idea has been taken to ridiculous heights instead of genuinely helping childless parents!
DeleteNew techniques helping infertile couples are welcome but "designer-kid" is an insane concept.Does it even ensure the kind of results that one expects.To think of it even Amitabh Bacchan's own son is not as talented or as good looking as him.Aishwarya's mother is not as beautiful as her, I wonder how Dharmendra's dad looked like.
ReplyDeleteAgree in totality with your words:)Even god has not created perfect humans and each one has his/her limitation:) Thanks for those lovely thoughts!
DeleteHow ridiculous and frightening... Perfection on the outside doesn't lead to perfection on the inside.
ReplyDeleteLadyFi precisely, striving for inside is what should be pursued:)
DeleteFiddling with god's creations will always bring disaster..
ReplyDeleteRenu, we are already saddled with enough disasters and would surely not like to see yet another addition:)Thanks!
DeleteInteresting, as we speak, in secret laboratories around the world - often in places unknown or not heard of, experiments are being carried out in making the perfect human, or humans according to spec (i.e. Blue eyes or green eyes, black hair or blonde, tall or short, and so on).
ReplyDeleteThe world, as we know it, has always been fascinated with the idea of 'perfection'. It's in human nature that we try to do the same with less effort, or try to make something which is perfectly fine - even better.
The world, at one point, will go out of control.
Experiments of these kinds which go against the human grain are just another money making venture are immoral and can never bring happiness in the end!Thanks for your comment
DeleteWhat a very intriguing and thought provoking post!! I've been in countries where everyone strives to look 'great' and to look 'just like each other'-- I find that pretty boring...I love diversity...I love the wrinkles and the pug noses and the crooked teeth...if we just create this 'master race' where everyone is great looking -- I think (YAWN) I would be bored :)
ReplyDeleteGREAT POST!!!!
Imperfections are the rough edges which make the life pleasurable! Could not agree with you more, Anjuli:)
Deletevery interesting .. I have heard about the movie , I guess I got to watch it soon os i can put all you have said in perspective ..
ReplyDeleteBikram's
Am yet to see it Bikram:)
Deletewow the world is a crazy place. Why cant we be happy with what we are I wander. As long as you have good health what else do humans want. Sadly we are a kind that we are never happy.
ReplyDeletewww.thoughtsofpaps.com
That is precisely the point, PAPS! We keep looking for things which may not bring the happiness:) Thanks a lot for your comment!
DeleteInteresting post... the advances of science that we call today was present in our mythological past too... amazing!
ReplyDeleteTrue, Shilpa!Imagine most of these things must have existed thousands of years ago as they are on records:)
DeleteGreat post, really interesting! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAlessia
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Thanks a lot Chilicool to have spent time to read this!
DeleteWow! I had no idea this was happening in India. While I am very pro IVF because it gives couples with fertility issues a lot of hope, this idea of "selective" and "special" breeding is plain disgusting.
ReplyDeleteNot only in India but in many other parts of the world, too unfortunately! Disgusting for sure if the mere objective is to have designer kids for future! Good to see you after a long time, Gayatri with a very nice profile pic:)
DeleteSir, I am not a strong supporter of playing with nature's way. But if someone is not medically capable, we can surely take help. Our fascination for things has gone to crazy extent...
ReplyDeleteSaru, yet another time you echo what I had in mind, while writing this post!If it helps childless parents, I am all for it , but to have ones with special looks and selective sex, is what I abhor!
DeleteI do agree with Saru .
ReplyDeleteWell, haven't seen the movie yet .
I too have not seen, Izdiher:) Thanks for your remark!
DeleteDonation is the way we care for everyone around us. If it helps someone smile, so be it.
ReplyDeletePS: Your "PS" was iceing on the cake!
A lot of people are willing to donate for this noble cause, Binu:)Thanks for liking!
DeleteRahul, this is a great post and timely as well as the movie Vicky Donor is quite the hot thing now. IVF is a boon for couples with fertility problems, but this selective breeding is pretty disgusting. I need to watch the movie to see what it is all about.
ReplyDeleteEven I have not seen the movie but just read the critics and heard! However, as you rightly mentioned playing with nature just for seeking gratification of fancies is not correct:)
ReplyDeleteI saw Vicky Donor recently. You should watch it. It isn't great, but the idea is good :) There is no harm in adoption and in donation!
ReplyDeleteAs you recommend, I will see Vicky Donor now:) I believe that a responsible person takes decision as he feels is the best and moral policing is not necessary! I am however apprehensive when it comes to aspiration of producing children with special traits and features, Juhi:)
DeleteI dont know why people dont realize that the beauty comes to a person who has gotten rid of anger/jealousy/hatredness than a person who uses false eyes lashes/mascara/lipstick :-) I am making a painting on this topic right now!
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful read Rahul!
Very true Padmaja ! I look forward to see your paintings which are a sheer delight:)
DeleteP.s. is so funny!..Lol.....But a very thoughtful post!...Parents are known for the unconditional acceptance and love for their children.....After reading this post, I feel some of the parents are expecting too much from their children...how they want to live or how they want to look like...:/
ReplyDeleteThanks Valli! Am happy you liked the post:)
Deletethats news to me...
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashok! A nice place to exchange some news!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks for enlightening us by drawing parallels from Mahabharata and that Hitler's obsession is a news to me...
ReplyDeleteSpecial looks and intelligence by artificial methods? Am not sure of this idea Rahul-ji. A person has to be unique just like everyone else; but whatever said and done, there can only be one Einstein and one Mozart. Such geniuses cannot be brought again by our limited brains!
A very nice post :)
Thanks a lot Anand, for liking the post!
DeleteGreat post. Thank you for the info.
ReplyDeleteA post that is very relevant in our genes-crazy times!!! God's ways are confounding, I guess!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bhavana! Certainly crazy times!
DeleteThe designer babies with presumably perfect 'features' will still have limitations, especially for parents. The quality of greed has been given to man in order to make sure that they get what they deserve. The world is never ideal.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
DI, it will be impossible to replicate the god's creation even with all the learning from science! Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very relevant post. I heard from a friend recently that IIT sperms were being sold for Rs 35000- no this is not a joke!! I think if I were an IITian and male I would have found a career option :) But jokes apart- I think this is just our way of meddling with nature. Every human being is special and there should be room for each of them- whether they look like John Abraham or Johny Lever!
DeleteGood business case, Meera:)On a serious note I too do not agree on tampering with the process of nature be it for a man or woman!
DeleteVery interesting post. Now there is a movie "Vicky Donor" which highlights certain issues.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot PN for liking! I am yet to see that movie:)
DeleteAshwini, you are bang on target! The uniqueness of god's creation needs to be admired and if we need to progress then it should be in domains where tangible gains are visible!Thanks a lot for your comments:)
ReplyDelete