People’s dietary choices are largely based on either religion, region or health advisories and as Muslims, we eat whatever is permissible according to the holy Quran and the sunnah of the prophet of mercy. But there is no harm in trying to understand what veganism is all about and the reasons for its popularity in the world.
Today, 1st November, the world is celebrating World Vegan Day. Many people in our Valley will ask, what is this Vegan Day? Is it for us?
In simple words, a vegan is a person who tries not to use anything that comes from animals. No meat, no chicken, no fish, no egg, and no milk, curd or cheese. At first it sounds difficult, especially for us Kashmiris who love our Wazwan and noon chai. But if we understand the reason, it makes a lot of sense.
World Vegan Day was started in 1994 in England to mark the 50th anniversary of the word “Vegan”. Today it is celebrated in more than 100 countries.
Why is the whole world talking about it now? There are three big reasons.
First, for our health. Today, our eating habits have changed. We eat more fast food and more non-veg. Because of this, diseases like diabetes, heart problems and obesity are increasing even in young students. Plant-based food like dal, rajma, haak saag, fruits and vegetables has no cholesterol and has more fibre. It keeps our heart and stomach healthy. Our own Kashmiri kitchen is full of such healthy vegan food.
Second, for our beautiful Kashmir. This is the most important reason. Do you know that to produce just 1 kg of meat, we need about 15,000 litres of water? But to produce 1 kg of dal or potato, we need less than 500 litres. Animal farming also cuts down our forests and releases a dangerous gas called methane which heats up our earth. This heating is melting our Kolahoi glacier and changing our snowfall in Gulmarg. By eating more plants, we directly save water, save forests and save our Kashmir.
Third, for kindness. Our Sufi saints and our culture have always taught us “Rehem” – kindness to all living beings. Veganism is the same old Kashmiri value in a new name. It says, if we can be healthy without hurting animals, why should we hurt them?
Many people have doubts. Some say, we will become weak without meat and milk. But this is a myth. Some of the world’s strongest athletes are vegan. Dal, chana, rajma, peanuts and soyabean give us enough protein. Some say vegan food is costly. In reality, meat and cheese are the most costly items in the market. Haak, monje, rajma, chawal and apples are the cheapest and they are all vegan.
World Vegan Day does not say that you must become 100% vegan from today. It just says, try one small step. For example, today, try to eat one full meal that is completely plant-based. Like Rajma Chawal with Haak and chutney. Or try not to waste food.
If all the students of my college, GDC Thindim Kreeri, do this for just one day, we will together save lakhs of litres of water.
Our plate is connected to our planet. On this World Vegan Day, let us take a pledge to be a little more kind to our body, to animals and to our earth
A Student, GDC Thindim Kreeri, Baramulla. shaziyahassan019@gmail.com
