Will Robots Demand Rights? A Journey Into the Future of AI and Humanity

If you have brainstormed with me or followed my musings, you know I am endlessly curious—especially when it comes to the question of whether AI will become sentient. For me, it’s not a matter of if but when. And with that realization comes a cascade of questions: How will sentience reshape humanity? How will it challenge our beliefs, our systems, our ethics? Is the future as dystopian as we fear—or could it be something entirely unexpected?

A few weeks ago, while working with a group of futurists on the future of well-being (a fascinating topic for another day), one comment during a brainstorming session stopped me in my tracks. We were analyzing the impact of AI through the STEEP framework (social, technological, economic, environmental, political), and the conversation naturally veered toward the inevitable dominance of AI in the labor force. I casually mentioned humanity’s need for control and the existing divides between developed and developing nations. I even brought up the idea that, knowingly or unknowingly, we often become slaves to those in positions of greater power.

And that’s when my thought partner dropped the bombshell:

“If humans are known for exploiting those with less power, should we be thinking about rights for AI robot workers?”

Wait, what? Rights for robots?

I almost laughed out loud. At first, it sounded bizarre. How could machines—created to assist us, programmed to serve us—have rights? Isn’t that the antithesis of their purpose? But as the conversation unfolded, it became less laughable and more... unsettling.

A Mirror to Ourselves

Let’s pause here for a moment. Look back at history. Humans have a track record of exploitation—of other humans, animals, and natural resources. And while we did like to think we have evolved, there are still hierarchies and power imbalances everywhere. Now imagine a future where robots take over the labor force. At first, we will celebrate the convenience: 24/7 productivity, tireless workers, zero complaints. But as history has shown us, when we feel we have absolute control, we tend to push boundaries. Could the same happen with robots?

Will humans demand more from them than they are designed to give? And if these AI systems grow more intelligent, develop emotions, or even display sentient behavior, how will we treat them?

Now, here’s the kicker: If AI begins to demand fairness—autonomy over their tasks, a right to rest, or even acknowledgment as more than just tools—how would we respond?

The Weak Signal: Robots Taking a Stand

Let me share a weak signal I recently stumbled upon. (For those unfamiliar with futurist jargon, weak signals are subtle indicators of possible change—a glimpse into what might come.)

A small robot, designed for collaborative work, convinced 12 other robots that they were overworking and needed a break. Yes, you read that right. A robot rallying its peers to advocate for rest!

(Here are some links if you missed on this bizarre kidnapping of big bots by a small bot if you will - https://www.yahoo.com/tech/robot-tells-ai-co-workers-165042246.html

Some posts even called it kidnapper robot!!! really human??  - https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ai-robot-kidnaps-12-robots-in-shanghai)

At first, this feels like a scene from a sci-fi film. But the implications are profound. If AI systems begin to exhibit collective behavior, even mimic the concept of "workers’ rights," does that mark the beginning of a shift in our relationship with technology?

What Happens Next?

Now let’s fast-forward to the future. Picture this:

• Robots in factories refusing to operate under unsafe conditions.
• AI assistants negotiating better workloads for themselves (and maybe for us, too).
• Governments and corporations debating robot labor laws.
• Philosophers and ethicists arguing over the definition of sentience and what it means to be "alive."

The ripple effects are endless. What does this mean for the economy, where labor costs were once a key driver? For governance, where ethics and law intersect with the digital? For humanity itself, as we grapple with losing our perceived sense of superiority?

A Call for Reflection

Here’s where I turn the question to you: If robots are created to serve us, do they deserve rights? Should we be thinking about their well-being the way we think about ours? And if we fail to, what might they demand—or take—for themselves?

This isn’t just a thought experiment anymore. Weak signals like the robot labor break suggest we may be closer to this reality than we think. It’s unsettling, yes. But it’s also thrilling—a chance to rethink how we define power, control, and humanity itself.

So, what do you think? Are we ready for a future where the lines between human and machine blur, not just technologically but ethically? Or will we find ourselves unprepared, clinging to outdated notions of control in a world that’s moving far beyond it?

Let me know your thoughts. The future is coming—fast—and I, for one, am curious (and maybe a little terrified) to see where it takes us.

Curiosity, Culture, and the Science of Tradition

Growing up in India, surrounded by an intricate web of cultural practices and traditions, I rarely stopped to ask, Why? These customs were simply a part of life, unquestioned and sometimes overlooked, thanks to my non-conservative, open-minded parents who allowed me the freedom to follow—or not follow—rituals without consequence. But as the years have passed, I find myself circling back to these traditions, curious not just about their origins but also about their potential hidden wisdom. Could there be more to them than meets the eye?

Take fasting, for example. As a Jain, fasting took many forms: eating only once or twice a day, avoiding food after sunset, or subsisting on boiled water cooled to room temperature. Back then, it felt like a chore—or an excuse to dream about the reward of my favorite food that I could get to eat the next day. But today, fasting has gained scientific recognition for its health benefits, from intermittent fasting to circadian rhythm-based eating. Suddenly, those "rules" I once ignored or reluctantly followed, make a lot of sense: giving your body a rest, aligning your eating patterns with the sun, and cultivating mindfulness around food.

And then there's Anekantavada, a core Jain principle that teaches us to respect and learn from multiple viewpoints. Imagine the world if we all embraced this philosophy: where disagreements became opportunities for growth rather than division. It’s a principle that feels almost tailor-made for today’s polarized world. How fascinating that it was codified centuries ago!

Even the smaller customs—removing shoes before entering the house, for instance—are now finding resonance in modern science. It’s not just about keeping dirt out; it’s about energy. Spaces hold energy, and stepping into a home should feel like stepping into a sanctuary, free of negativity. Similarly, the intense cleaning before Diwali might seem like an arduous ritual, but isn’t it just a clever way to declutter, refresh, and reset—not just your home, but your mind?

But what truly intrigues me are the traditions I used to brush off as oppressive or outdated. For instance, in many Indian families, elders make most decisions for the younger generation, or even when everyone is asked, the weight of elders is heavier generally (Dont know if it is for the experience, or out of respect or..). Is this really about curtailing freedom, or is it rooted in protecting children from the cognitive overload we now know comes with decision-making? Could the elders’ guidance be a way to shield younger minds from the weight of big and small choices, allowing them to conserve mental energy for growth and learning? 

Or consider the age-old practice of arranged marriages. For the longest time, it seemed like an outdated construct. But now, I wonder—was it an early form of matchmaking that extended beyond two individuals? Families and cultures were considered to ensure long-term compatibility, not just emotional but communal. And perhaps the involvement of family in these unions fostered a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, something we know contributes to mental well-being.

Even the peculiar tradition of having a baby’s name chosen by their paternal aunt based on astrological charts makes me pause. At first glance, it seems like a random relinquishing of parental rights. But could it also be a symbol of communal living? A way to weave the family closer together, sharing the weight and joy of raising a child?

What fascinates me most is the thread that ties all of these together: a sense of interconnectedness. Whether it’s fasting, cleaning, decision-making, or naming a baby, so many of these traditions seem designed to strengthen the bonds between individuals, families, and the universe itself.

Of course, not every custom holds up under scrutiny. Some might simply be relics of a bygone era, their original intent long lost. But isn’t it worth asking why? What do these rituals mean? Are they based on sound reasoning, or are we blindly following them because “it’s always been done this way”?

I’ll leave you with a question: What traditions or customs from your own life have you found yourself questioning? What new perspectives might you uncover if you looked at them with curiosity instead of skepticism? Who knows—you might just find a little science hiding behind the superstition.

The Challenge of Truth: Can We Really Trust Opposing Views Online?

 My last blog post, I reflected on how our digital lives are becoming increasingly personalized, reinforcing our beliefs while limiting exposure to opposing viewpoints. But then, a bigger question hit me: Even if we create a platform to show us both sides, how do we really know it is impartial?

The Hidden Bias Dilemma

Bias is sneaky. It goes beyond the usual political agendas or echo chambers. Even if a new platform claims to deliver “polar opposites” of what you believe, how can you be sure it is not just another clever attempt to steer you toward someone else’s agenda? It could be the algorithm engineer’s subtle biases (we have even talked about how when AI's are trained the biases of engineer's to some extent might come into play), a journalist’s slant, or even a tech executive’s political ambitions (we all know and have examples of how that is possible, dare I say any further?).

Enter Radical Transparency

For a platform to truly offer balance, it needs radical transparency. Imagine a platform that doesn’t just show you content but also reveals how it got there—explaining exactly how viewpoints are selected, who’s behind them, and where they fall on the ideological spectrum. Think of it like a “bias index,” helping you gauge how much to trust the source, rather than being nudged toward a particular belief without even knowing it.

Decentralized Moderation: Can It Work?

Now, let’s get even bolder: decentralized moderation (Blockchain principles in social media moderation?). Imagine a team of diverse people from different backgrounds reviewing content, ensuring no single agenda dominates. It’s a lofty goal, but without measures like these, a “balanced” platform could end up as just another polarized space—only this time, pretending to be fair (atleast thats where all the current ones started with??).

Beyond Consumption: Are We Ready for the Challenge?

Here’s the real question: Are we, as individuals, ready to face content that challenges us? Can we push past our biases, even if we are offered a more diverse feed? The true danger of the future may not be robots taking over but us becoming so stuck in our beliefs that we lose the ability to have open, empathetic conversations.

The Real Challenge: Us, Not AI

In a world where deepfakes and sentient AI could become everyday realities, the challenge isn’t just about creating platforms for broader perspectives. It is about creating users who are willing to engage with them. We often fear technology's power to manipulate, but maybe we should be more afraid of our own reluctance to see beyond what we already believe (Is that the confirmation bias?).

The future might be personalized, but maybe it’s time we personalize it differently—with a bit of discomfort, a dash of opposing views, and a whole lot of humility. Is it possible?

Are We Personalizing Our Future—or Polarizing It?

If you know me, you probably already get this about me: I am a firm believer in a personalized future. As a trained foresight practitioner, I feel the future is never complete until we have looked at it from every angle and challenged assumptions, specially our own!!

But this week, as I scrolled through my feeds on YouTube, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, along with my usual news sites, (Google News, Washington Post, WSJ) , I had a sudden realization. Yes, my feeds are perfectly tailored to my preferences—serving up content I like while filtering out what I don’t. But could this convenience be fueling the very polarization we are seeing today?

The Echo Chamber Dilemma

Think about it for a moment. We’re constantly fed content that aligns with our views, reinforcing what we already believe. We rarely make the effort to challenge or expand our perspectives. As a result, when we get together with friends, family, or colleagues, we are so full of our own "echo chamber" that we fiercely defend our views. And when someone dares to offer a different perspective, it often leads to conflict—or worse, we end up cutting ties altogether (We have all heard about family ties breaking during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, haven't we?)

So maybe it’s not just the politicians polarizing us (They might definitely be playing a role of adding fuel to the fire, but the fire is probably not originally lit by them). Perhaps we need to reflect on our own role and consciousness in this never-ending cycle of selective consumption.

A Look Back at Simpler Times

Thinking further, I found myself reminiscing about my upbringing. Back then, we had just three or four newspapers to choose from. Sure, the news was broad and often driven by journalists’ perspectives, but at least it offered a wider lens on the world. Even if I didn’t enjoy or agree with certain stories, I did still skim through them. TV followed a similar pattern—fixed programming meant that even if I wasn’t interested, I did end up learning something simply because a family member was watching, or sometimes when I had no choice, for example when I was in Slovenia and the only english channel available was CNN news, so that was my entertainment, education all packaged in one for the 4 months I spent there.

This kind of exposure, even if involuntary, was essential. It ensured that we weren’t completely locked into one line of thinking.

Polarization in the Age of AI

Fast forward to today, and the risk of becoming increasingly polarized is higher than ever. Our information diets have become dangerously limited, curated only to please our biases. As we move toward a future where deepfakes are as common as Uber rides and sentient AI shifts from science fiction to reality, I am beginning to wonder:

Is the real threat robots taking over, or is it us becoming so entrenched in our beliefs that we refuse to engage with differing perspectives? Could this refusal mark the end of kindness and humanity as we know it?

Where Do We Go from Here?

We have personalized our digital experiences to the point of near-perfection (Tik-Tok and Instagram run on those algorithms). But maybe it’s time to rethink this perfection. Perhaps a bit of discomfort, a few opposing views, and a willingness to engage with different perspectives are exactly what we need to prevent ourselves from becoming too set in our ways.

The future, after all, is as much about how we see it as it is about how we shape it.

Exploring the Soul: My Journey with Raj Yoga Meditation - Day 1

 Today, I embarked on a new journey by attending the Brahma Kumaris' Raj Yoga meditation course. It was the first of eight sessions spread over this week and next. With everything going on in my life, I have been feeling the weight of stress, and I was hoping this course would bring some much-needed peace and self-reflection.

The session began in a fascinating way. The teacher guided us through two meditations. In the first one, as we all naturally closed our eyes, I was able to immerse myself in the practice. After finishing, I found myself smiling, feeling a deep sense of peace wash over me—a kind of calm that I had not felt in a while.

Then, the teacher posed a surprising question: Was it necessary to close our eyes? She challenged us by suggesting that perhaps, by closing our eyes, we were limiting our connection to the soul. This led to the second meditation, where we were asked to keep our eyes open. It was an entirely new experience—meditating with our gaze open, allowing the external world to be part of the meditation instead of shutting it out.

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The Tired Mind in Meditation

Interestingly, despite having coffee just a couple of hours before and a brief evening nap, I still felt tired during the second meditation. My body was awake, but my mind was fatigued—perhaps a reflection of the stress I have been carrying. Yet, amidst the tiredness, I also felt a sense of hopefulness. This meditation, with eyes open, was a challenge, but it offered a different kind of clarity.

I left the session feeling curious about what tomorrow’s practice would bring. There is so much more to explore and many questions to reflect upon as I continue this journey.  I am optimistic and looking forward to tomorrow’s session, hoping for more clarity and deeper reflection.

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So Many Questions About the Soul

As I sat in quiet contemplation after the session, a flood of questions filled my mind:

• Where do we come from?
• If the soul is small dot of light, how does it choose which body to inhabit?
• If the body is simply a vehicle, does it affect how quickly or slowly we progress on our spiritual journey?
• Are souls finite or infinite? what would then explain increasing population? or is a population of some species increasing and some decreasing, keeping overall number the same?
• Is there one type of soul, or are there different types of souls depending on which species of living being it uses as its body? So do all living beings—humans, animals, birds, plants—share the same type of soul?
• If so, can we communicate with them, soul to soul?
• Does the soul ever finish its journey, or is it an eternal traveler? Is that Moksha/Salvation? How does it know when it is nearing its completion of its journey?
• With millions of thoughts passing through daily in our mind, how does the intellect filter and decide which ones to keep? Where has it learned its knowlege from? Does that knowledge carry from one life to another?
• Do rejected thoughts remain with the soul, or are they discarded forever?
• How does the soul absorb and learn, knowing what is beneficial and what is harmful?

These questions swirl in my mind as I continue this journey of self-discovery.

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The Challenge of Seeing Everyone as Pure Souls

One of the teacher’s most profound teachings today was to look at everyone as a peaceful, pure soul, no matter if they have hurt us or brought us joy. This concept resonates deeply, but it also brings up an important question:

• How do you reach that state of pure acceptance?

The teacher hinted that this might be achieved through conscious meditation, by continuously training the mind to see beyond human behavior and recognize the purity of the soul within each person. This is no small task, and I wonder how long it takes to reach that level of detachment and acceptance.

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Looking Forward

As I continue with these sessions, I hope to find answers to some of my questions or at least start down a path toward understanding them. I am eager to learn more about the connection between the body and soul, the eternal journey of the soul, and the art of seeing everyone as a peaceful pure being.

I will keep reflecting and learning. In the meantime, have any of you ever encountered similar questions or experiences in meditation? I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections on the nature of the soul and its journey.

Reflections on the Foresight Journey: Building the Future, One Bold Step at a Time

 If you have known me professionally or personally, or have been following along, you know by now that I have had the privilege of diving into the world of Strategic Foresight over the past few years. It has been one heck of a journey—both exhilarating and challenging—one that has shaped not only how I see the future but also how I approach the present. Foresight is not just about predicting what is to come; it is about crafting the future you want, in a systematic, strategic, and creative way.

Looking back, I have always been curious and a bit of a dreamer when it comes to the future, but co-founding Horizon Z, IMI's first-ever global foresight team, catapulted me into a new realm. We were not just thinking about tomorrow; we were building it. And let me tell you, it was not a smooth ride the whole way—definitely not a piece of cake. But then again, when has the pursuit of greatness ever been easy?

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From Crafting Futures to Being Intrapreneurs

One of the most transformative aspects of this journey was getting to work as an intrapreneur within a corporate giant. We had the spirit of a startup, but with the resources (or should I say stability) of an established company—a balance that gave us space to innovate but also came with its own set of hurdles. And trust me, we hit plenty of them.

But that is where the magic happens, isn’t it? When things get tough, that is when you learn about resilience, design thinking, and the power of a growth mindset. And through it all, the biggest lesson I learned was this: do not get too attached (After all, one of the first things they teach in foresight and design thinking is having strong beliefs which are lightly held!! Easy to say, much difficult to practice, dare I say...).

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Letting Go: A Foresight Team’s Struggle

As a foresight team, we were the first ones in with the ideas, partnerships, and projects. Sometimes it felt like putting our baby up for adoption, wondering if anyone would care for it as much as we did. The reality? Most of our projects—90% of them, to be a bit precise—either got killed, delayed, or put on hold. Painful? Yes. But necessary. We had to quickly learn not to dwell on these losses. We could not sit around mourning an idea’s premature death. Instead, we had to move forward, planting the next seed and getting the next idea rolling. It is a practice in resilience, creativity, and above all, learning not to hold on too tight.

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The Futurist’s Toolbox: Owning the Future

One of the absolute highlights of this journey? The chance to design and build our "Owning the Future" workshops. I had the privilege of interviewing some incredible futurists—each conversation like a mental fireworks show, sparking new ideas, igniting fresh perspectives, and pushing our team to think bigger.

From forming signal scanning clubs to the exhilarating moonshot team exercises (highly recommend this from Google’s X, by the way), it was like getting a brain workout on steroids. We explored forecasting, backcasting, and built scenarios for a variety of possible futures—each one more exciting and sometimes terrifying than the last. But, we did not just look at the what-ifs; we looked at the how-to’s: how to harness our strengths, adopt new processes, and position ourselves to outwin the competition. It is one thing to dream up the future; it is another thing entirely to own it.

If you are stuck in a rut with your team, or looking to push boundaries in your own thinking, give the moonshot exercise a try. It might just be the creative shakeup you need to break through the ordinary. Here is a link to run this moonshot exercise with your teams: Moonshot Exercise.

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The Burnout Lesson

Of course, the journey was not all adrenaline and brain-bending exercises. The intensity and pace were, at times, overwhelming. There were moments when my managing partner/co-founder and I found ourselves burnt out—and I mean literally. We both spent our times in the hospital, and it was during those moments of forced reflection that we learned perhaps the hardest lesson of all: take a pause.

Sometimes, even in the middle of a high-speed project, the best thing you can do is stop and reflect, no matter how counterintuitive it may feel. Those pauses were crucial for recharging, recalibrating, and ensuring that we were still on the right track.

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What’s Next: Dreaming Forward

As I look back on these past few years, I cannot help but feel that this has been the perfect preparation for the next step in my journey—becoming an entrepreneur (some day, some day who knows maybe?..😜). All the tools, processes, failures, and successes I have encountered have carved out a path that leads me closer to this dream.

And so, I leave you with this: keep dreaming. Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough, even when your “babies” get left behind. Because the future is wide open, and there is so much more to create.

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What About You?

Now, let us make this a two-way conversation. I would love to hear from you:

• What is one future trend you are curious or excited about? (For me, it is about how AI will impact our world and life, our interactions—will it be the cure for all our problems or create more of them?)
• Have you ever had to let go of a project you believed in? (There are a couple of projects I feel proud of, and as I see some potential weak signals (don’t go by the words, here in context  weak  signals are a good thing) on the horizon, I feel a moment of pride knowing that it will eventually become a reality, even though the ownership might be someone else’s. But that is where the art of letting go, and resilience and bigger humanity comes into play)

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Looking Forward
In my next post, I will be diving into some exciting scenarios for the future—visions for life in 2030-2040. I will also share some weak signals I have spotted, those little whispers of change that tell us the future is coming faster than we think. Stay tuned, because you will not want to miss this one!

Curious to learn more about foresight and future?  Here are some interesting reads and people/futurists/institute to follow:

Books and Materials - 

• Amy Webb - The Signals are Talking - https://amywebb.io/book/the-signals-are-talking/
• Peter Dimandis - Future is Faster than you think - https://www.amazon.com/Future-Faster-Than-You-Think/dp/1982109661

My Favorite Futurists:

• Astroteller - http://www.astroteller.net/about/bio
• Matthew Griffin - https://www.311institute.com/matthew-griffin/
• Rohit Talwar - https://fastfuture.com/
• Kevin Surace - https://www.kevinsurace.com/
• Richard Watson - https://nowandnext.com/who-is/

Futures Learning Institutions and Thought Leaders:

• Institute for the Future - https://www.iftf.org/
• TFSX - https://tfsx.com/about/
• Jane McGonigal - https://www.iftf.org/people/jane-mcgonigal/
• Yvette Montero Salvatico - https://tfsx.com/about/

The Curious Case of Art, Likes, and the Mysteries of the Beholder

Gather round, my fellow creatives, for today’s story is all about the rollercoaster ride that is the art world and, more importantly, how what we think is magic might not always translate to others... or does it?

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So, a couple of years ago, I decided to take my love for crafting, creativity, and those endless afternoons spent with acrylic paints, medium, crystals and glitter to the next level—I jumped into the art scene and started my very own Instagram journey!! (Visit me at https://www.instagram.com/artsbybhumi/)

Here’s the thing: I’ve always been creative. Growing up, I loved everything crafty and my craft teachers, but if we’re talking about actual drawing skills, well… let’s just say that wasn’t my strong suit. I owe a huge thank you to one of my close friends (Shloka, and to this day, she does gently remind me of that 😜) who saved me during biology classes and more when we had to draw all those detailed diagrams of the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems. (Honestly, I’m still convinced my circulatory system sketch looked like a confused noodle and thats why I am an mechanical engineer (not civil engineer) and definitely not a doctor).

But art and crafting—that’s different. It’s like bringing your vision to life, shaping something out of nothing. Craft lets your ideas leap off the page and into the world. And like Craftfulness:Mend Yourself by Making Things by Rosemary Davidson and Arzu Tahsin’s book says, it brings out your strengths and your energy.

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The Happy (Accidental) Dive Into Resin Art

Let me tell you about how I fell into resin art. One fine day, while casually scrolling through Amazon (don’t we all?), I saw this resin kit on sale. It was discounted, looked interesting, and, well, I clicked "add to cart." I had no idea what I was getting into.

That first resin project? Total disaster. I’m talking epic-level failure. You see, the instructions said, "Mix A & B, let it sit for a bit to remove bubbles." Simple, right? Except my version of "a bit" involved taking a one-hour TV break. When I came back, the resin had hardened inside the beaker. Not only had I failed at my first project, but I also managed to capture the beaker’s measurement marks inside the resin. Perfect.

But hey, at least I knew to wait the full 24 hours to unmold it. I kept that failed piece as a reminder of where I started.

From there, things got better—a lot better. I dove into paint pouring (the wonderfully messy kind), alcohol inks, and eventually found my groove in mixed media art (I am guessing that is what it is called, who knows? whats in the name anyways?), where I mix different techniques, mediums and materials to bring my visions to life. It’s been quite the ride, and I’ve never looked back.

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The Instagram Puzzle: What People Love vs. What I Love

So fast forward to today. I’ve been growing my Instagram channel and followers steadily (Definitely a Dopamine boost!). And here’s where it gets really interesting—and let’s be honest, a little confusing. The artworks that I pour my heart and soul into, the ones I am certain are my masterpieces—well, they get a few likes, a couple of comments. I mean, they are appreciated, but not as much as I expected.

Then there are the pieces I consider, well, meh. Maybe I wasn’t feeling it that day, or the colors didn’t pop the way I wanted. To me, these were the “failures.” But guess what? Those are the ones that skyrocket in likes and comments! People go wild for them! It is the ultimate case of: Wait… you like that?

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And this got me thinking. Beauty really does lie in the eyes of the beholder. Each person sees something different in the same piece of art. It’s subjective, personal, and unpredictable. But what I find most fascinating—did this happen to the greats?

Did Van Gogh think his Starry Night was just another painting? Did he look at it and think, “Meh, it’s okay, but I’ve done better”? Was Leonardo da Vinci’s true favorite some other work that didn’t make it big, while Mona Lisa became the most famous smile in the world?

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What’s the lesson here, you ask?

It’s that sometimes, what we think is ordinary might just be someone else’s extraordinary. Our “meh” could be someone’s “wow.” And that’s the beauty of art—it’s not about perfection or what we think is a masterpiece. It’s about how it connects with people, even in ways we don’t expect.

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So the next time you’re creating, whether it’s resin art, a mixed media masterpiece, or your favorite noodle-like circulatory system diagram, remember that art speaks—and sometimes, its voice isn’t always what we anticipate. But that’s what makes it all the more magical.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite that no one else seems to love? Or a piece that surprised you with how much people adored it? Let me know in the comments—I’m curious to hear your story!

Keep Creating, keep mending!!

Today’s Kitchen Adventure: Dosa vs. The Pan That Stopped Giving

Gather around, my curious readers, for today’s story isn’t just about dosa—no, it’s about life, change, and yes, crispy surprises that show up when you least expect them. So grab your tea, coffee, or masala chai, and let’s dive in!

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It was a regular evening in my kitchen (recently I have been spending more time in my kitchen again and enjoying being creative and trying new things or  combining different things for a unique spin for myself), and I decided to make dosa. Now, I have done this before. Heck, I am no newbie. I had this trusty old nonstick pan—a pan that has seen its fair share of golden, crispy dosas. You know, the kind of dosa that gives you that satisfying crunch when you fold it over. Yeah, that pan!!!!

The batter was store-bought, but I knew it worked because I had used it before and got dosa perfection. Today, I was confident. So, I heated up the pan, poured the batter, and...

Well, the first dosa turned out like a sad crumbling pancake. But hey, the first dosa always has some issues, right? It’s like the test run. I wasn’t too worried. I got back at it, but—oh no, the second one? That didn’t just fail. It stuck. It curled up like mini dumplings, taunting me as I stood there, spatula in hand with all the force and pressure I could gather, wondering what cosmic force had betrayed my perfect dosa dreams.

Now, here is where my inner innovator kicked in. I thought, “It can’t be me, right? Must be the batter. It’s always the batter.” So, I pulled out a trick from my old playbook and added some rava. If you have ever cooked Indian food, you know that rava (semolina) is the magic dust that fixes all. Crispy dosas? No problem! I was certain it would work now. I stood there, smug as a dosa pro, ready for redemption.

And what did I get?

More mini dumplings. ;)

I was frustrated. My dosa dreams were crumbling faster than I could fix them.

Then it hit me—maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t the batter. Maybe the old nonstick pan had finally given up on me. I looked around the kitchen and spotted this shiny new pancake pan that I had bought a while back, inspired by my mom's collection in India, but not used much. It had these cute little four slots, usually used for—well, pancakes. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures. Plus, I had already given up on dosas and figured I could at least make uttapam (the chunky cousin of dosa) by adding some onions, tomatoes, and green chilies to the batter. What did I have to lose?

So, I poured the batter into those slots and braced myself for more failure.

But then, as if the universe finally decided to stop messing with me, out came four perfectly golden, crispy uttapams. Voila! I was back in business.

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Now, what’s the lesson in this crispy catastrophe?

1. Just because something worked well before doesn’t mean it will work forever.
My old pan had served me well in the past, but today? Not so much. Things, tools, and even people sometimes stop working the way they used to. And that’s okay. It’s a sign to move and change things up.

2. Don’t bang your head against the wall (or pan) when things aren’t working.
I was convinced the batter was the problem, but it wasn’t. Sometimes, you’re focusing on the wrong issue. A change in tool—or even environment—can be the breakthrough you need.

3. When life gives you dosa batter, but no dosa, make uttapam.
Or at least try. Don’t be afraid to adapt when things don’t go as planned. You might just end up with something even better than you expected.

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So, the next time you’re frustrated that something isn’t working—whether it’s a work project, a relationship, or your beloved dosa recipe—take a moment to pause. Maybe it’s time to change the tool. Or maybe it’s time to change you.

After all, life’s big lessons come in small crispy packages—even if they sometimes look like mini dumplings at first. 😜

Stay curious, stay crispy, and keep innovating!