Green plates, kind hearts: The vegan movement takes root in Chandigarh

As the calendar turns to November 1, a quiet revolution simmers in Chandigarh’s kitchens and cafés. World Vegan Day is no longer just a global observance — it’s a local movement, infused with flavour, compassion and conscious living. Across the city, more people are rethinking their food, fashion and lifestyle choices — not as a trend, but as a thoughtful return to balance.For nutritionist and recipe curator Neeru Jasmit Juneja, the journey toward veganism wasn’t a radical leap, but a graceful evolution. “I’ve always been a vegetarian, so the shift toward veganism was natural,” she shares. “It came from a growing awareness — that our choices, even on the plate, ripple out into the environment and animal welfare.”Yet, like most journeys of transformation, it wasn’t without its tests. “Giving up dairy was the hardest,” Neeru admits with a smile. “Curd and ghee are deeply rooted in our Indian meals. Even coffee without milk was a big leap. But once I found good plant-based alternatives like nut milks and vegan butter, it felt both manageable and joyful.”Her home, she says, is where most of her culinary experiments happen. “Food, for me, is worship,” she explains. “I believe our body is a temple — what we put into it matters.” Her daily menu celebrates wholesome simplicity: quinoa or millet bowls, lentils, sautéed veggies with tahini dressing or classic rajma-chawal. When eating out, smoothie bowls, falafel and hummus top her list of clean indulgences.From spreadsheets to sustainabilityIqbal Singh, CTO and co-founder of PandaTech Studios LLP, found his inspiration elsewhere — in the environment. “The impact of industrial animal farming on the planet was my wake-up call,” he says. “Ethics followed and health became the added bonus.” For him, veganism began with spreadsheets and statistics — and evolved into a lifestyle grounded in compassion.The initial phase wasn’t easy. “Social events were tricky and reading food labels felt like decoding puzzles,” he recalls. “But once I figured out my go-to meals — dal-roti, sabzi, rajma rice — things fell into place.” Over time, he noticed subtle but lasting changes: better digestion, lighter energy and most importantly, “a sense of mental clarity that comes when your choices align with your ethics.”Mindful plates, kinder worldBoth agree that Chandigarh is blossoming into a vegan-friendly hub. From cafés offering almond-milk lattes and vegan pizzas to grocery aisles stocked with tofu and plant-based cheeses, awareness is steadily growing.For newcomers, their advice is gentle and grounded: start small, stay curious. “Add more plants before you start cutting things out,” says Neeru. “Veganism isn’t about perfection — it’s about mindfulness.”Beyond food, both have extended their choices into every aspect of life — fashion, beauty, even business. “Veganism made me conscious in all dimensions,” Neeru reflects. “From cruelty-free skincare to sustainable clothing, it’s about harmony with nature.”As World Vegan Day arrives, Neeru spends it cooking and sharing vegan treats with her family — “a day of reflection and gratitude.” For Iqbal, it’s just another day of living his values — proof that veganism isn’t a fad but a fulfilling way of life.This November 1, Chandigarh’s green plates carry a deeper message — that kindness can be the most nourishing ingredient of all.

Green plates, kind hearts: The vegan movement takes root in Chandigarh

How Chandigarh is redefining ethical food choices this World Vegan Day

Ravneet Kaur

Tribune News Service

Green plates, kind hearts: The vegan movement takes root in Chandigarh

How Chandigarh is redefining ethical food choices this World Vegan Day

Ravneet Kaur

Tribune News Service

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