Growing trend toward veganism in twin cities

Banjara Hills: The 'V' word is gaining ground. The plant-based lifestyle is now getting more people into its fold. There are three vegan groups in the city comprising 5,000 of them. Ravi K K a software professional and a vegan says, "Turning vegan is not only adopting vegetarianism but also avoiding all animal products such as dairy products, honey, silk, animal fur and toiletries that are made from animal products. Vegans never seek entertainment and visit zoos and circus.

In the last few years many vegan restaurants too have come up in the city. Akhil Bhede, a medical transcriptionist says, "I visit High on Plants restaurant often and many of my friends hang out there. People who are not vegans too have taken a liking to the food." There are other restaurants such as Smart Alec, Terrassen Cafe that offer vegan dishes.

In the last two years, the number of vegans has grown by 10 per cent says Swathi, a vegan who conducts vegan food classes. She adds, across India, reports suggest 22,500 turned vegans.

In the city there are three popular vegan groups namely; Vegan Society, Vegan Bdoyan and Hyderabad Vegans. Swathi who is a part of Hyderabad Vegans says, "There is at least one event organised in a span of 15 to 25 days by vegan societies to help non-vegans understand the benefits of being a vegan."

So why one should become a vegan? What are the benefits we ask? "Animals are being forced to do so much for us. People use them to produce milk by artificial processes, and due to which the current life span of cows and buffaloes is reduced to 5 to 6 yrs against 25 years, as they are artificially bred and artificially inseminated, for satisfying the needs of man. Animals are being tortured to breed continuously every year to produce calves, where the actual capacity of cows is to give birth to single calf in their entire life," said Sowmya, Hyderabad Vegans.

Hyderabad vegans are organising events to promote veganism 'End of meat' a potluck is on its way for vegans to fill their tummy with the delicious veggies, where Hyderabad vegans are trying to explore in depth knowledge on meat and how having meat in daily meals would affect our body and health.

As a support to spreading vaganism in the city, nutritionists attribute modern trend to the awareness being spread on how cruelly animals are treated in the process of providing food and other comforts for us. Also, people are increasingly admitting to the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Observing the demand for the vagan foods, even restaurants and cafés in the city are realising the choice of citizens and introducing vegan food in their menus.

By VASAVI VALURI