Curbing animal instinct

Mona

Benedict Cumberbatch, PETA's Most Beautiful Vegan last year, believes plant-based diet helps one stay in shape for action movies. This year, Alex Morgan and Kyrie Irving get the coveted vegan celeb title. While the first is an Olympian, the latter a NBA point guard. So, do you still think being a vegan compromises your health in any way?

The conscious and conscientious in Chandigarh too are adopting 'cruelty free' lifestyles to make the world a better place. On World Vegan Day, they share their concerns, try to dispel myths and win others to their side, while selling the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals.

Difficult, yet achievable

Neeru Jasmit Juneja, always a vegetarian, turned a vegan some years back. "I am not the one to make an animal cry for satisfying my palate," says Neeru, who doesn't find her new lifestyle difficult. "It is just about telling and training your brain. Yes tricity is still waking up to the concept, so the options are still limited. But being ethically right fulfils you in a way and one is not really looking at alternatives," says this culinary nutritionist. 

Better discipline

Runner Iqbal Singh got introduced to veganism through Johannes Bartl, whom he follows on Instagram. Bit of research and realising that animal products are one of major reasons for polluting the earth, he turned a vegan instantly. The change - energy levels are up, health way better and decision-making better than ever. "Being a vegan makes you adaptable to any situation and that helps in every walk of life."  

What's heartening is that more and more youngsters are taking to veganism in Chandigarh. "For every monthly vegan potluck, we have two to three young new faces; at times they try it for a week or a month, but each effort makes a difference," says Inder Sandhu, who runs 'Vegans in Chandigarh' group. "While physically you become healthy, angst and anger is replaced by compassion," he shares.  

"Ethical veganism results in a profound revolution within the individual," Arnav Asim Abha quotes animal rights activist Gary L Francione. "In our society, we often speak about compassion, and choosing plant-based food helps one practice it thrice a day," he says. "Well, if you decide not to put a dead body on your plate, it's not tough. And India remains one of the most vegan-friendly country," he vouches.  

Know veganism

Veganism stands for shunning animal products, which means letting go off dairy, eggs and honey. One can opt for 'dietary veganism', shunning animal-based products, or be an 'ethical' vegan, avoiding cruelty and suffering to animals by making conscious clothing, cosmetics and other lifestyle choices.

mona@tribunemail.com