Spotlighting Partnerships | Veganuary's Role in World Health Day

To be honest, there was no one moment like that for me. However, one dear experience that brought me closer to animals was the time I spent on my grandfather’s farm. I used to visit the place during our school vacations, and spent all day feeding chickens, playing with bunnies and taking the cows and buffaloes for a walk. Despite this, as is the case for many Indians, I was desensitised to believe that these animals were meant for our consumption. 

Later, when I was formally trained as an ecologist and worked on wildlife SOS conservation, I saw the same kind of difference in attitude towards wild animals and farmed animals: one kind is special and the other is not. I started the process of freeing myself from this conditioning and recognising that all animals deserve a life free of suffering and pain. 

The campaigns I ran to rescue and rehab animals in circuses; for better care for street dogs animals; and for better treatment of animals in dairy farms all brought back my childhood love for them. I could see that they are thinking, feeling and caring beings. The process has helped strengthen my conviction to help make a societal shift towards treating all animals with respect. I know it is difficult, as it was for me. 

That’s why I now focus my energy where there’s the most impact- to help people to leave animals off their plates. Billions of animals will be spared a life of suffering when people choose to eat plant based. My role as Director at Veganuary in India is to help create that ecosystem where it is easier for people to try vegan. By working with the media, celebrities, influencers and the corporate world, we make eating vegan fun, easy and accessible. 

We are very clear that we are not a research group or a medical institution. Therefore, we make sure to rely on the best studies and advice from professionals on nutrition, health and environmental impact. Our job is to package them into a fun, informative and transformational journey, over 31 days, at the end of which people are empowered to make a lasting and sustainable change to the way they eat. 

In addition to the health, environment and ethical advantages, shifting to a vegan diet needs to be socially desirable. Our 10 Ambassadors from India help us do just that. They are beautiful, positive and extremely accomplished people who show you can do anything on a vegan diet- from professional sports, acting to scaling the Everest! We’re really grateful for their support and also the vibrant vegan creator community who help showcase all the positives of a vegan diet. 

All this has led to a phenomenal 128,000 Indians signing up to try vegan with us just this year. They all get to be part of a community of people who are trying vegan for the first time. This sense of togetherness is vital for a lifestyle change, and creates long term impact.