Beyond being a dietary choice, veganism offers transformative benefits for personal health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.
As the year winds down, it is natural to reflect on the resolutions that were made in January. While there would be some of us who could hold on to their resolutions and some others who could not. However, there is no reason to feel lost. Making a New Year’s resolution itself is a combination of awareness about oneself and a conscious decision to do better. Even setting a goal is a step in the right direction; this is more than most people manage.
Being vegan once seen as a fringe lifestyle choice, appears to be occupying an increasingly bigger place not only in the West but also in India. Reports indicate that vegan diets create 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, as well as much less water pollution and wildlife damage.
Fruits and vegetables, legumes, and grains require less energy, land, and water to produce than animal-derived diets. While diet seems to be the biggest concern for those wanting to make the switch fact is that veganism is not just about diet, it is a lifestyle that refrains people from any form of animal exploitation.
Veganuary- the global behaviour
change organisation encouraging people to try vegan in January and beyond- understands the importance of building a supportive community. Prashanth Vishwanath, who heads the organisation in India says “We know it takes a whole ecosystem to form positive habits. That’s why we work with brands, restaurants and retailers to make plant-based products more accessible. Our 11 celebrity ambassadors from India show how they’re on top of their game while eating vegan. And anyone trying vegan with us receives more than 10 free resources including daily support emails. The idea is to make the transition to eating more plant-based as fun and rewarding as possible.”
Building the ‘try vegan’ ecosystem
Collaborating with brandsIn January 2024, 140 Indian firms participated in the Veganuary movement, launching new goods, special deals, and menu items. More than 40 new goods were launched in India, ranging from vegan eggs to curry meal sets.
Nature's Basket, Amazon Fresh, Hilton Hotels, Big Basket, and Hard Rock Cafe were among the firms that participated, and the campaign anticipates that many more will join this year. Celebrity support
Veganuary's Indian Ambassadors include film stars, professional athletes, and mountaineers, with Mallika Sherawat being the most recent addition. They are passionate about it and they have literally helped show millions of people how enriching plant-based eating can be.
They send a loud and obvious message: a plant-based diet is a huge advantage for looking good on screen, channelling inner creativity, and fueling world record feats. Free resourcesAnnual Veganuary campaigns that encourage people to try vegan for a month as the new year rolls in come with an impressive list of free goodies to make the transition enjoyable and hassle-free.
Participants gain access to a digital celebrity cookbook, with vegan recipes from Indian and global celebrities, a complete vegan starter kit, with comprehensive answers to any questions about adopting a plant-based diet and a lot more.
In India, embracing veganism is especially practical, thanks to the wide range of naturally vegan foods that are culturally familiar, and easy to prepare taking out the need for expensive or exotic ingredients. It just needs a little bit of planning to ensure it meets all the necessary nutrients.
The list of vegan food varieties is expanding every day, offering plenty of options to not only nourish your body but also delight your taste buds.
So, whether it’s for your health, the planet, or compassion for animals, embracing a plant-based lifestyle is more accessible than ever. With the right support and an abundance of options, choosing to eat better could be the most rewarding resolution you take on this year.
(The writer is Country Director for India, Veganuary; views are personal)
