When the city’s first vegan potluck was organised on October 2, it was simply an effort to bring together those who led cruelty-free lifestyles and those who wanted to lead one.
The potluck, that had attendees bringing tasty home made vegan goodies, is a positive sign that goes to show — among the Chettinad chicken loving population there also exists a quiet and peaceful community that loves its curd rice made from peanut milk.
There is a vast difference between vegetarianism and veganism; and vegans in Chennai constantly endeavor to make people aware of the positive side of living an ethical, environmental-friendly and healthy lifestyle.
Srinivas Krishnaswamy and his wife, Preeti, of Krya Consumer Products were the force behind the delicious vegan potluck.
Srini and Preeti, who turned vegan in 2010, started a Facebook resource page called ‘Vegans in Chennai’ with a view to inform and help others cope with sustainable urban living in Chennai.
“The potluck brought together anybody who was interested in sampling vegan food and learning more about this cruelty-free lifestyle. Among the crowd were meat-eaters, animal activists and even a 64- year-old who turned vegan overnight along with his family!” says Srinivas.
While Srinivas dons the mantle of guiding vegans in the city, 25-year-old Niranjan Amarnath helps youngsters turn vegan with his group ‘Chennai Vegan Drinks.’ The group helps organise screenings in colleges to motivate students to take up veganism.
Niranjan, who screened a film on the benefits of eating natural food at the potluck says, “I am in the process of screening Earthlings, a documentary on animal rights at colleges on World Vegan Day on November 1. While veganism is a new concept, it certainly is picking up. I find that people are enthusiastic and want to explore the concept.”
A vegan lifestyle doesn’t stop at the exclusion of diary foods and animal products from one’s diet, but also calls for the removal of animal products from one’s lifestyle. This means the elimination of leather, pearls, silk, cosmetics tested on animals and your favourite ice cream too!
Anuradha Chawla, who’s been vegan for the last four years finds that Chennai offers a variety of vegan cuisine that help one stay on the path of righteousness. “Restaurants like Little Italy veganise food on request. There are also bakeries like Wholistic Breads and The Sugar Hut that offer vegan delights. Nature’s Co, in Express Avenue offers cruelty-free wellness and body products.”
While Wholistic Breads in Adyar is nearly 90 per cent vegan, The Sugar Hut by Nanditha Sashidharan can dish out vegan cakes and cupcakes on request.
Says Nanditha, “Orders for vegan treats are certainly going up and I find that mostly youngsters are attempting to make this conscious choice.”
This is definitely not the time to complain, or make excuses about insufficient help in leading a vegan life. If you’re an animal lover and want to turn over a new leaf, help is certainly at hand.
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