Raktabeej (रक्तबीज), biotech ... and animal rights

(Source: Channel4)

Yesterday happened to be the last day (ashtami, अष्टमी) of winter Navaratri. During the recitation of great deeds of the goddess Durga and her avatars, there is a story of her vanquishing Raktabeej. As the name suggests (Rakta रक्त = blood; and Beej बीज = seed), each drop of Raktabeej's blood that fell to the ground created another demon.

Now you may wonder why would I think of Raktabeej when I am so far away from home.

Well, yesterday evening, we also watched 'Animal Farm,' an interesting documentary on Channel 4 discussing genetic modification and the "tangle of ethical and moral issues that surrounds it." Within the programme, there was a segment on 'plasma cows' who are genetically modified to be able to produce human antibodies and their plasma is harvested. The picture above is that of a plasma cow in a wooden cage/ scaffolding, hooked up to suction pumps harvesting the blood (the blood pump is sanitised away in the cropped picture).

Also, the programme covered the use of stem cells: these undifferentiated cells can be induced to grow into any part of body (see here for details) and would serve the basis of organ replacement and regrowth (perhaps even rejuvenation, in the future). So, one could almost think of the stem cells as 'seed' cells.

There you have it.... beginnings of modern Raktabeej!

How do I feel about it? Ambivalent. As for the chance to save human lives - great! Novelty value of advances in science - thrilling! Unknown risks - ??? Use of animals - ok, actually. In the case of plasma cows, in my view, there isn't difference between harvesting milk or blood . The latter gets replaced, and apparently the harvesting process is 'humane'. After all, in neither case, do we seek the cow's consent. [Also, reminded myself that Masai herders do drink cow's blood when they are on the move, as did Mongols with horses and ponies.] And lastly, perhaps it is better to harvest for blood than to kill for meat.

But the last bit does make a voracious omnivore like me wonder as to where I would choose to stand on the issue of 'animal rights', a much broader area than merely turning vegetarian. The internal jury is still out there ...