As the world celebrates Vegetarian Day, celebs share their reasons to pick up plant-based diets, shun meat and why it is a significant part of their being…
Keep it simple
I am a Jain, so vegetarian from childhood. I respect my religion and now the principles to avoid meat and onion/garlic/potato have been scientifically accepted and considered better for self and the earth.
Favourite dish: I am a huge fan of roti and sabzi. Any sabzi will be fine for me until and unless it is bitter gourd.
– Samay Shah, aka Gogi in Sab TV show Taarak Mehta KaOoltahChashmah
Long life
It’s been a year that I have turned into a vegetarian. The plight of animals was the foremost reason for the change. I feel much lighter. Vegetarian diets have known to be naturally lower in saturated fat. Also, according to a 12-year Oxford study, it was observed that vegetarians outlive meat-eaters by six years. I believe a vegetarian diet can prevent and reverse chronic diseases, which will help to have a longer life span.
Favourite dish: Palakpaneer, Nutrela soya chunks and dal makhni
– Tina Philip, aka Vidhi Sharma in Dangal TV’s Aye Mere Humsafar
Strong immunity
A healthier life, compassion towards animals and an ethical opposition to eating them are some of the fundamental reasons for me to choose vegetarianism. I have been a vegetarian for years now. It has helped me stay fit and build my immune system much stronger. Low-fat, high-fibre vegetarian diets help ward off some extra weight.
Favourite dish: Rajasthani dal bati and garlic chutney, besan gatte ki sabzi, kadipakoda and dal.
– NeeluVaghela, aka Pratibha Devi in Dangal TV’s Aye Mere Humsafar
Spiritual growth
I turned vegetarian, though I never have been a fan of non-vegetarian food. I feel it’s very important for one’s spiritual growth as to feel compassion for all creatures, great and small. Also, plant-based diets are generally rich in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which in turn strengthen the immune system and slows down the aging process.
Favourite dish: Dal khichdi and lauki ki sabzi, and palak paneer.
– RishinaKandhari, aka Imarti Kothari in Dangal TV’s Aye Mere Humsafar
Easy to cook
I belong to a Brahmin family, so I have always been a vegetarian. Even when I moved out for work, I always preferred having vegetarian food. Most of the vegetarian dishes take less time to cook and is a healthy option. In Ayurveda, the various benefits of vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, leafy vegetables are very well explained. Vegetarian food also gives instant energy and is easy to digest.
Favourite dish: My mom’s sattukeparathe with red chilli pickle.
-ParitoshTripathi, television actor
Organic choice
Since childhood I have been a vegetarian like my family. We have never thought of changing our eating habits since we have been conditioned to be vegetarians. It’s a healthier choice as it is organic. I am proud to be a pure vegetarian and I request many of my friends to try this way of life just once and see the change.
Favourite dish: Being a Gujarati, my favourite is of course Gujarati thali. I love dal dhokli, keru ki sabzi and almost everything my mother cooks.
– Dev Joshi, aka Baalveer in Sony SAB’s show Baalveer Returns
Compiled by Mona
