How Pharma Replaced the Kitchen: Revisiting the Hidden Roots of Medical Commercialization

In this powerful reflection, Dr. Ankit Shah connects the rise of the modern pharmaceutical industry to a deliberate displacement of kitchen-based traditional medicine. Across civilizations, especially in the East, grandmothers and women had been preparing herbal and natural remedies in their kitchens. These kitchens were once considered temples of health.

But then, a systematic campaign began—first in the West, and later spread globally—branding these women as witches. These women, practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, and other traditional systems, were labeled as dangerous and violently suppressed. This was not just social control—it was the birth of the commercial pharma industry, which could only thrive after pushing natural healing out of people’s homes.

This coincided with colonial efforts to bar women—especially non-Christian women—from entering the formal field of medicine. Only Christian men were allowed. This was not just about medicine, but part of a bigger plan to shift cultures from their pagan or Indic roots into a Westernized, Christianized framework.

The commercialization didn’t stop at medicine. It extended to food. Processed food industries grew alongside pharma, ensuring that people would get sick more often—needing pills instead of plants. Kitchens lost their sacred value, and the British colonial system rewrote history to make the West appear as the origin of knowledge. Many in India, conditioned by this education, still believe British governance was better, showing how deeply colonization affected the collective psyche.

Post-2014, with Modi’s government, there's a visible effort to revive pride in ancient Indian civilization. A generation that grew up doubting their heritage is now seeking answers. De-colonization of the mind has begun, but full awareness will take at least one more generation.

Dr. Shah also draws parallels between Ramayana and colonial tactics. Just like Ravana disguised himself to abduct Sita, colonial forces entered India disguised as traders (East India Company). They pretended to help but drained India’s wealth. PM Modi recently addressed this issue at the Global South Summit, criticizing the hypocrisy in globalization where freedom of trade exists only for the powerful.

Further, the Ramayana teaches legal, ethical, and emotional wisdom. When Sita was questioned, Lord Ram made a painful decision to prioritize governance and public perception over personal happiness. This sacrifice symbolizes responsibility, character, and ideal leadership—values rare in modern times.

The post ends with a reflection: why are symbols like the Taj Mahal, built by an emperor for one of his many wives who died during her 14th or 15th pregnancy, glorified as symbols of love? Why not Ram Setu, built out of devotion and sacrifice?

The message is clear: it's time to reconnect with our ancient wisdom, understand the real history, and question the colonial narratives we have inherited.

Popular posts from this blog

The Facade of Power: Unraveling Body Doubles, De-Dollarization, and Global Shifts

The Summit's Shocking Revelation: A Body Double in the Spotlight In a tale that reads like a thriller from the shadows of international intrigue, the Alaska Peace Summit unfolded with an unexpected twist. What was billed as a pivotal meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin turned heads not for diplomatic breakthroughs, but for the glaring signs that the Russian leader present was no more than a body double. As the thumbnail suggested and reactions poured in, the fake Putin's awkward expressions and uncharacteristic behaviors stood out starkly. From the moment he stepped off the plane, his reactions to B-2 bombers pointed out by Trump—wide-eyed surprise like a child rather than a seasoned statesman—screamed impostor. Observers noted how real Putin never cranes his neck upward in that manner, a detail honed from years of scrutinizing his body language. Media channels later dissected the anomalies: the right hand's unnatural movements, an overly joyful smile to the ...
Read more

The Dollar, Proxies, and the Changing Global Order

For decades, the narrative in India was built on the belief that China and Pakistan were the eternal enemies . Experts taught this line consistently for 30 years. But as events unfolded, it has become increasingly clear that the real force propping up these two adversaries was never just their own strength. Instead, it was the power of the US dollar that stood behind the Chinese Communist Party and the Pakistan Army. Today, with military setbacks exposing the limits of these proxies, a new reality is unfolding in the global arena. The Exposure of Proxies China’s military tried its hand in Galwan and retreated after heavy losses. Pakistan’s army was tested in surgical strikes, Balakot, and now Operation Sindoor —each time ending up defeated and humiliated. The once-feared proxies, nurtured by dollar-driven systems, have been dismantled militarily. Now, “Uncle Sam” himself has stepped onto the front foot, declaring openly that the real villain is the US system that stood behind these ...
Read more

Revolutionary Reforms: Holding Leaders Accountable and Shaping India's Future

A Historic Shift in Indian Democracy In a landmark move that echoes the spirit of true accountability since India's independence in 1947, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three bills, with the most pivotal one aimed at fortifying democracy. For the first time in the nation's history, top officials—including the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers—will be held directly accountable to the public. If convicted of a serious offense or crime and sentenced to more than 30 days in jail, they must resign. Failure to do so will result in an automatic resignation. This reform, hailed as the biggest democratic overhaul post-1947, ensures that no one can cling to power amid grave misconduct. The genesis of this bill traces back to controversies like the excise liquor scam involving Arvind Kejriwal, where ministers were caught in scandals, including the construction of a lavish Sheesh Mahal. Despite arrests, attempts to run cabinets from jail persisted, with no signs of resigna...
Read more