Wake up to Vegetarianism!

PETA, Animal Welfare, Quest for good skin, Karma, Just plain wish or Birth. People have different reasons for their vegetarian lifestyle. The whole world celebrates Vegetarianism and honors the people who give up all the 'sinful delicacies'.

Telly Buzz gathers varied opinions on Vegetarianism…

Ratan Rajput:

What attracted you to vegetarianism?
Well, I have witnessed a lot of slaughter in my village. We have a custom called 'Bali' and in the name of it, I've seen scores of animals getting slaughtered. My conversion to vegetarianism was a very slow process, but you know eventually there came a point where it became impossible to consume meat, because the gory images just kept flashing in front of my eyes.

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
To start with, we don't have to get afraid whenever there is an outbreak of any 'flu'! Moreover, personally, I feel healthy. Whenever I see a beautiful fish I can relax and admire its beauty instead of wondering how it would taste. I can easily go and play with a goat without feeling awkward that I just had one of its cousins for lunch and so on.

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
I never propagate my vegan views with a sense of 'holier-than-thou-art' air. However, when it comes to my friends, who eat only non-veg and have pleasure hogging it limitlessly, I advice them from the point of view of health. Even then, I ask them to have a balanced diet and not completely change their food habits. See, I understand the workings of nature. It is not without reason that we have a food pyramid, isn't it?

Ragini Khanna:

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
Just the fact that you are a vegetarian in itself!

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
No I don't. When it comes to me I can never even think of eating anything that moves or crawls!

Jay Bhanushali:

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
See, we do so many wrong things in life, so this saves us the guilt of one sin. By being a vegetarian, you are saving the environment. There's a lot of heat in meat so when you don't consume it, automatically your skin clears up. Also it has proteins which is good for you know…XYZ.

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
Let me tell you, all my friends are staunch non-vegetarians. Plus, they never listen to me. Not just for this but for anything. So even if I will tell them about my vegetarian views, I know this is how they will react – If you don't want to eat, don't it. But let us eat.

Chandana Sharma:

What attracted you to vegetarianism?
My association with animal welfare eventually got me turned into a vegetarian. You see, if you are a true animal lover, you just can't eat them! But however, I do eat eggs.

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
It's a healthy way to live. One piece of chicken takes 48 hours to digest. So you are not burdening your digestive system when it comes to vegetarian food.  Plus, you are calmer and peaceful.

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
I do try. But I don't want to impose it on them. Because eventually it's your calling.

Ayushman Khurana:


What attracted you to vegetarianism?
To be honest, I've not yet given up meat. But yes I am attracted to vegetarianism and am slowly progressing towards becoming one. My mom is a vegetarian. So she is the driving force behind my attitude change.

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
It saves you from bad karma. It's a more reliable source of energy. And it's a lot lighter and fresher.

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
Not really. I am not here in this world to impress anyone. Also, I myself am not a vegetarian so can't really tell anyone. (Laughs)

Priya Bhatija:

What attracted you to vegetarianism?
I was dating Jatin(now her hubby) who happened to share with me why as a Jain he does not eat non-vegetarian food. Gradually even I started believing in the values of Jainism and now it's been almost four years since I turned into a vegetarian.

What are the high points of being a Vegetarian?
You don't feel guilty of killing something. You feel lighter. And the variety of greens that you consume keeps you fresh.

Do you propagate your food views to those who are non-vegetarians?
Yes I do. But then everyone has their own beliefs.

Reporter and Author: Susan Jose