Being vegan

Suresh Chouksey

The world is waking up to merits and benefits of veganism. This philosophy rejects the commodity status of animals. The followers of this ideology, called vegans, abstain from consuming and using animal meat and related products like dairy. The concept is not limited to what we eat; it essentially extends as a way of life. Vegans condemn the use of any type of animal products spanning from clothes, daily-use products and cosmetics to home-based decorations. 

The Indian movement

While the West recently started adopting the concept, in India the philosophy behind vegetarianism and veganism can trace its roots to the Indus Valley Civilisation (3300-1300 BCE). The earliest practitioners included Lord Mahavira, Tamil poet Valluvar and Emperors Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. 

Even as followers of Jainism and Buddhism can be termed as earliest supporters of this ideology, veganism, in its present form, came to India as repackaged in the West. Donald Watson of the Vegetarian Society of England first coined the term 'vegan'. 

Despite having a strong cultural history, this concept is still in its infancy in India but growing steadily since the turn of the century. Over the past few years, advocates from different regions of the country have come together to fundamentally tackle the issue of animal cruelty. Across India movements have started with different NGOs making the need for vegan lifestyle as their theme for the campaigns. Today, from metros to small towns, the movement is growing. 

Various NGOs and other organisations are holding sessions, activities and organising rallies. The Vegan India Movement is working to advance veganism across India through various platforms. Recently more than 38 cities have joined the group. Participating cities include Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Pune.

In Chandigarh, Inderpal Sandhu runs Vegans. Every weekend they have outreach programmes in public places like parks. The participation varies. Sometimes 100 people show up, sometimes just five, he says. 

On the challenges of starting a vegan movement in the land of butter and ghee, Sandhu says the movement is the need of the hour in Punjab as heart-related diseases are on the rise among Punjabis. According to a recent report by the Health Ministry, the rate of ischemic heart disease is the highest in Punjab. Realising the perils, many of them are adopting the healthier lifestyles. "When I started, there were 20 people. Today more than 150 activists are present in Chandigarh itself," says a delighted Sandhu.

The association of NGOs like PETA and Bollywood celebrities have proven successful in widening the scope of the vegan movement. In Bhopal, where the movement is on a significant high, scribbled with white chalk "No meat, No milk, Go vegan" with its broken Hindi translation on metal barriers put up the police is an indicator how every section of society, whether privileged or under-privileged, is finding traction in the movement.

Health concerns

In India where over 70 per cent of the people are non-vegetarians and dairy products are a vital part of the diet, in both rural and urban areas, some poultry producers have taken to unethical and unnatural means to increase production. Many news reports have highlighted the use of unnatural methods, like hormonal injections to cattle, used to increase the production of milk. These hormones also seep in the milk we drink. 

Otherwise too, a diet rich in red meat, chicken and other meats can contribute to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, high BP, arthritis, etc. The American Dietetic Association says that vegans often have lower cholesterol levels, lower saturated fat levels, and a lower body mass index. 

According to a Harvard study, a vegan diet can decrease the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Vegans also generally have a lower risk of colon cancer and heart attack, the two biggest killers in India. 

However, there is downside too though that can be managed with a little planning and making informed choices. Following a strict vegan diet may mean that many vegans miss out on protein, calcium, iodine, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. However, supplements and fortified alternatives like soya milk can minimise the problems that may arise from a restricted diet. Nutritionists says that if properly planned, a plant-based diet is healthier because it includes much more fruit and veggies. 

Rising numbers, increasing choices

As the tribe of vegans slowly increase in the country, many consumers brands are gearing up to meet the rising demand for vegan products. McDonald's has been offering vegan meals in India since 2006. Café Coffee Day has vegan shakes and coffees on the menu, as does Starbucks. 

More and more brands are offering vegan products in the food and service industry as well as in fashion and beauty segments. Cosmetics brands Forest Essentials, The Body Shop, Lotus Herbals and Himalaya Herbals have recently introduced vegan options. 

In the land of Buddha and Gandhi where ahimsa has been often been people’s choice, many young and some old Indians are making it an ethical choice that has nothing to do with religion, intolerance or vigilantism. Do we need any more reasons for adopting veganism?

The ones who gave up

• Kangana Ranaut
• Sonam Kapoor
• Richa Chadha
• Neha Dhupia
• Kiran Rao
• Aamir Khan
• Jacqueline Fernandez 
• Sonakshi Sinha
• Ellen DeGeneres
• Miley Cyrus

Terms and conditions 

There are distinctions between several categories of veganism. The most common are lacto-vegatarians. They don't eat meat but consume eggs, dairy products etc. Strict vegans totally exclude the use of animal products in their diet. Ethical vegans not only follow a vegan diet but extend the philosophy into other areas of their lives, and oppose the use of animals for any purpose. Then there are environmental vegans, who avoid all animal products on the premise that the industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable. 

To use or not to use

Veganism excludes the use of any animal products to produce food, clothing, or anything else you might use in daily life. So, no milk, curd or ice cream, it also means no silk sarees, leather goods, etc and using alternate toothpastes, shaving creams, and other products and cosmetics. Even sugar, which can contain charred animal bones, is avoided.

In food, substitutes can include soya products, sesame seeds, almonds, green leafy vegetables, almond milk, cocunut milk. Eat lots of entils, legumes, sprouts, whole grains. 

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Making the right choice

A young activist for veganism, Hemali Khanna on reasons for adopting the philosophy:

How are you involved with the vegan movement?

I was 17 when an online campaign on Facebook grabbed my attention. The subsequent videos they posted and the research I did made me think about the real truth and purpose of life. Then from family to my closest friends I started discussing how veganism is changing lives, the need to adopt it and so on. On a personal level, I’ve never been healthier! 

What are different platforms you use for campaigning? What are the difficulties you face?

From street-level nukkad nataks (street plays) to workshops on veganism, all means are used to spread the idea. During meetings participants are shown Youtube videos on the gory mistreatment of the animals. These are game changers. On 21st of every month, in all those towns where such organisations have been formed, a gathering takes place.

A lot of people are sceptical about the nutritional imbalances if they shift to this diet. Some just cannot leave dairy products. I’ve heard people calling tofu as ‘fake paneer’. Some feel that the vegan diet is taking away their liberty and choices.

It is a general opinion that Vegan food is expensive, what do you have to say on it?

No, that’s a complete lie (laughs). Vegan food is, in fact, cheaper than all those meaty foods. A vegetable vendor sells fresh and cheaper food than those stores selling dairy and non-veg products. Mustard sauce, ketchups, soy, tofu, etc. are some cheaper vegan substitutes to paneer, mayonnaise, cream etc.