Veganism Takes Root in Odisha
"शान्तो मुच्येत बंधेम्यो, मुक्तः चन्यान विमोच्येत, सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः" This Sanskrit verse roughly translates to “May the peaceful get freedom, the free liberate others, may all attain bliss”, in which Annada Dash, a vegan of four years hailing for Sambalpur, Odisha firmly believes in. It emphasizes the liberation of all beings and the promotion of consciousness and social justice. Veganism, once confined to the periphery of dietary choices, has become a resounding and powerful movement across India. It's no longer an obscure lifestyle but a compelling choice embraced by an ever-growing number of individuals. What has fueled this transition to a vegan lifestyle? It's the synergy of ethics, environmental consciousness, and health concerns that is pushing people towards a more compassionate and sustainable way of living. The Indian subcontinent, renowned for its rich variety of vegetarian dishes, might seem an unlikely place for a burgeoning vegan movement. However, the undercurrents of change are undeniable, and one state, in particular, stands out in this shift - Odisha. The allure of veganism has captivated the hearts and minds of Odisha's residents, spurring an earnest desire for change. This transformation in Odisha mirrors a broader Indian trend. More people are making the switch to veganism, motivated by ethical considerations. The shocking reality of animal agricultural practices, where cruelty prevails, is pushing individuals to reconsider their dietary choices. The environmental footprint of animal agriculture, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is another compelling factor. With climate change taking center stage, many Indians are adopting veganism as a personal commitment to a greener planet. The health-conscious segment of the population also recognizes the benefits of a well-balanced plant-based diet.
Yet, the rise of veganism is not without controversy. There's an ongoing debate, a clash of values, and passionate arguments on both sides. Some oppose veganism, often clinging to traditional values and the pleasure of consuming animal products. Amid this dialectic, Odisha's 'Vegan Odisha' community stands as a bastion of compassion, championing the vegan cause through activism, outreach, and education.
In this article, we'll delve into the vegan landscape in Odisha by sharing the stories and insights of several 'Vegan Odisha' members. Their experiences, challenges, and aspirations collectively form a compelling narrative, shedding light on the dynamic nature of veganism in this culturally diverse state.
Challenges in Maintaining a Vegan Lifestyle in Odisha
Annada Dash, a resident of Sambalpur, who along with her senior colleague, Pratyush Ranjan, recognised the need for a vegan community in Odisha. Together, they initiated coordinated activism in Sambalpur, with the support of ‘Vegan India Movement’. What started with ten people has gradually evolved into a growing community of vegan activists in the region. She shares, “The basic challenge we face is that most of the people are ignorant about veganism. Promotion of veganism needs wide spread awareness.” Chandan Mohapatra, a final year computer engineering student in Bangalore who is originally from Puri, shares, “There are challenges such as our peers, relatives, and friends sometimes don’t understand and they criticize." Even within his family, there are differences of opinion. "My mother and younger sister understood the plight of animals and became vegan, but my father didn't understand, so it feels disheartening at times to know that your family member is contributing to an injustice." Nevertheless, Chandan remains steadfast. "My stance is clear, no matter what, I will always speak against injustice and animal cruelty in this case."
Traditional Odia Vegan Delights
One remarkable aspect of veganism in Odisha is the abundance of traditional vegan dishes. Chandan's favorites include "Bhaata, daalma, ghaanta tarkaari, saaga, chakuli pithaa, matar tarkaari, aalu bhajja, aaloo baingana bharta, phula kobi tarkaari, paratha, rutti bhajja, poori, idli pithaa, baraa, santula, chana masala... the list goes on and on." Amongst the diverse cuisine of Odisha, Ashish Kumar Mohapatra, an Electrical Engineer, too has found several vegan dishes that he enjoys. He lists an array of delights such as "Dalma, Santula, Veggies fry, Pakhala," and mentions Odisha's unique focus on various types of "Saag," especially spinach. As someone focused on fitness, Ashish ensures he meets his daily protein targets through tofu-based dishes. Odisha’s rich coastal heritage also influences its cuisine, with a strong inclination towards coconut-based foods and snacks, Ashish notes that coconut milk has a long-standing tradition in some villages. Abhilipsa Satapathy, an IT professional based in Bhubaneswar, opines, “All the traditional food in Odisha is plant-based. We just need to remove the dairy component like Curd/Ghee.”
On Vegan Health and Well-Being
Annada, who has been a vegan for four years, said, "When I came to know about the various types of animal cruelty, then I decided, and within two days, I became a vegan." This resolute shift in lifestyle embodies the essence of his commitment to animal welfare. Talking about personal health benefits she shared, “My thyroid problem is now under control, and I haven't experienced unwanted weight gain. However, it's crucial to highlight the necessity of B12 supplements in a vegan diet. It's essential that we raise awareness and encourage responsible veganism. Since adopting a vegan lifestyle, my acne problem has significantly reduced, and my weight has stabilized. Due to family pressure to include more green vegetables in my diet, I've experienced an overall improvement in my dietary habits.” Chandan emphasizes that veganism is not just a dietary choice but a social justice movement. He elaborates, "The changes I observed were that I became more empathetic, and I started feeling the sense of justice in myself even more." He acknowledges the health benefits of a well-balanced plant-based diet but cautions against indulging in vegan junk food, emphasizing the importance of healthy choices for overall well-being.
Advice for Aspiring Vegans
Abhilipsa’s advice for aspiring vegans is, "Eliminate the least favorite animal-based foods from your diet immediately. Gradually reduce the consumption of favorite non-vegan dishes. Always closely observe your body." Chandan, a vegan since three years too offers valuable advice to those interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle in Odisha. He underscores the significance of education and awareness, saying, "Make yourself aware of all the atrocities that are happening with animals in the meat, dairy, fish, egg industry and all those places where animals are being used." Chandan encourages a shift in perspective, noting, "Going vegan becomes super easy if you think from the victim's perspective."
Vegan-Friendly Establishments In Odisha
“To be honest, there are no 'vegan-friendly restaurants & eateries' in Odisha. We always have to customize our orders by removing the dairy component. Although there are 2 brands which provide vegan ice-cream - Apsara & Bhatia Di Kulfi,” shares Abhilipsa. Though Sambalpur might not have exclusive vegan restaurants, Annada mentions a vegan-friendly ice cream parlor named "Giani." The presence of Nutrisoy products also contributes to vegan options in the city.
Resources and Education Around Veganism In Odisha
Annada emphasizes the abundance of resources available for those interested in veganism. Documentaries, health charts, lifestyle tips, and guidance are essential tools. Her group, ‘Vegan Odisha’, is even working on a book that profiles ordinary vegans from Odisha and their journeys, which can serve as a valuable resource. She says, “To educate and engage the local community, we have actively participated in chalktivism, using this creative method to convey the message of veganism. We reach out to people wherever we can, leveraging our various professions to spread awareness about veganism through daily conversations and actions. As a teacher, I make it a point to illustrate the different dimensions of veganism to my students, emphasizing its multifaceted impact. In Sambalpur, our group of vegans has placed particular emphasis on highlighting the health benefits of adopting a vegan lifestyle, a perspective that resonates with many. While we recognize the significance of the environmental dimension of veganism, we find that within our local context, the health benefits aspect is often more effective in capturing the attention of conscious individuals.” Abhilipsa shares, “Some documentaries like 'Cowspiracy,' 'Dominion,' 'Deadly Dairy,' 'Maa ka Doodh' randomly came in my YouTube feeds. The connection between India being a top milk producer and a top beef exporter changed me to go vegan for Animals." Chandan's journey began with extensive self-education.
He explains, "I started researching animal cruelty in our daily lives. “I came across a video of Acharya Prashant named 'Mansahar; murkhta ya beimaani,' that video was really thought-provoking for me, and then I stumbled upon the lecture on YouTube named 'Why Vegan?’ by Arvind Animal Activist. When I watched that video, I came to know about the reality of the dairy industry.” These documentaries, videos and speeches available on streaming platforms are some resources that vegans count upon.
Navigating Social Situations
Navigating social situations that involve non-vegan food can be challenging, but Ashish has found an effective approach. He explains, "I have made this thing clear to most of my relatives. If someone is not aware of this, I try to have a healthy discussion about my views and why I've chosen to be vegan." Chandan gracefully handles social situations where non-vegan food is prevalent. He explains, "I keep my stance clear to not have any non-vegan dishes as I know the cruelty behind it, and I don’t want to be a part of it by consuming them." When offered non-vegan food, he politely declines and takes the opportunity to explain his reasons for choosing a vegan lifestyle with utmost honesty.
Networking and Future Vegan Events
After already having successful events in the past, ‘Vegan Odisha’ group maintains connections with organizations like Vegan India Movement and Satvik Vegan Society, allowing people from outside Odisha to connect with the local vegan community. The group actively uses social media platforms like Instagram for outreach and plans to open a Twitter account for Vegan Odisha. The group has a series of planned events in the pipeline. They welcome interested individuals to join their WhatsApp group and Instagram.
The Future of Veganism in Odisha
While Ashish is not directly involved in any specific organizations, he acknowledges the presence of various local groups that support and promote veganism in Odisha. This collective effort helps spread awareness about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of vegan living. He believes that veganism in Odisha will continue to grow, although it may take time due to the predominant non-vegetarian culture in the region. He sees government support as crucial, especially in promoting the benefits of veganism and potentially subsidizing plant-based products like dairy alternatives. "We want the government to help us in growing awareness by imposing tax on animal-based products & subsidizing plant-based foods," expresses Abhilipsa. Chandan remains optimistic about the future of veganism in Odisha. He believes that the growth of veganism in the state is possible through educating people about its ethical, environmental, and health benefits. Meanwhile Annada reflects on the significant growth of the vegan movement in Odisha within two years. She remains optimistic about the future of veganism in the region, hoping that their efforts will lead to greater awareness and more individuals embracing veganism.
While the journey may face challenges, the unwavering dedication of these individuals to animal rights and ethical living remains a driving force in the evolving vegan landscape of Odisha. Their journeys exemplify the power of compassionate living and stand as a beacon of hope and change. As these individuals, scattered across Odisha, continue to practice, educate and engage with the local community, their vision of a vegan-friendly Odisha is inching closer to reality.
