My "Dandi Visit"

Yesterday, I visited to “Dandi” place, where Gandhi ji came for “Salt Law” on 6th April 1930. “Dandi” is situated near costal area of Arabian sea (Distt. Navsaari 45 k.m. from Surat City- Gujrat State). It was my first visit with my friend Kalpesh Patel.

Gandhi ji started his “Dandi peach march” on 12th March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram with 78 persons. He completed 291 miles distance and came here on 5th April 1930 evening. He stayed in “Saifee Villa” for one night and he broke the “Salt Law” on 6th April 1930.

After that , he stayed 20 days in Karadi Village (14th April to 4th May). The hut is there, where Gandhi ji stayed below mange tree. On 5th May, Gandhi ji was arrested by British police.

I visited all holy places. It was another very emotional experience for me.

Non-Violence

Mere not-killing (the animals) is not enough (for this observance). The active art of Non-violence is Love.

The law of Love requires equal consideration for all life from the tiniest insect to the highest man. One who follows this law must not be angry even with the perpetrator of the greatest imaginable wrong, but must love him, wish him well and serve him.

Although he must thus love the wrong door, he must never submit to his wrong or his injustice, but must oppose it with all his might, and must patiently and without resentment suffer all the hardships to which the wrong doer may subject him in punishment for his opposition.

M. K. Gandhi

Veg Recipe from PETA (Thanks to PETA)

Savory Indian Samosas

Charm the taste buds of your friends and family members with this popular and delicious Indian snack—they'll definitely be back for seconds.

2 medium onions, minced
1 Tbsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 lb. thin-skinned potatoes, cubed
1 10-oz. pkg. frozen peas, thawed and drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Salt to taste
9 full sheets of phyllo (filo) pastry, thawed and kept covered
Oil for brushing tops

In a large, lightly oiled frying pan, sauté the onions until they are limp. Add the coriander, cumin and cayenne and sauté for 1 minute. Remove from heat and add the potatoes, peas and cilantro. Mix well and add salt to taste. Allow to cool.

Stack four sheets of phyllo together and cut into four rectangles with a pair of kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Repeat with the remaining phyllo. You should have 36 rectangles. Keep the phyllo well covered with plastic wrap while you work.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

For each roll, place about 3 Tbsp. of filling in one corner of a rectangle of phyllo. Roll the filled corner toward the center, fold in the left and right corners, like an envelope, then roll up again. Cover the filled rolls with plastic wrap while you assemble the remaining rolls.

Place rolls, seam-side down, on lightly oiled cookie sheets. Brush the tops with oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.

Makes 36 samosas

Some major organizatons who promote a Veg*sm and Kindness in India.

PETA India
P.O. Box No 2 GPO , Pune 411 001 India Tel.: [+91] 020 -2605 8102
Universal No : 1860-233-4222Fax: [+91] 020-2605 8106
Web Site: http://www.petaindia.com/
Email: info@petaindia.org

People For Animals
14, Ashoka Road,
New Delhi -110001
Tel: 011-23357088
Fax: 011-23354321
Web Site: http://www.peopleforanimalsindia.org/

SHARAN
(Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals and Nature)
R.O.22, Matru Chhaya, 70,
Marine Drive, Mumbai – 400020
Tel: 022- 22814949
Website: http://www.sharan-india.org/
Email: nandita@sharan-india.org

Indian Vegan Society
P.O.Box-17, Byndoor – 576214
Udupi Dist., Karnataka
Mobile: 0091-9341128767
Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

Animal Rights Fund
Comfort Manor, 1st Floor,
No. 10/4-2, Kumara Krupa Road,
Bangalore – 560001
Tel: - 080-23449851.
Cell: - +91-98451 74630
Email: arfindia@gmail.com

Vegan Education Center
103, Shalimar Corporate Center
8, South Tukoganj,
Indore – 452001
Tel: 0731-2513824
Website: http://www.indianvegan.com/
Email : manish@indianvegan.com

International Vegan Trust
(Transforming people to veg*sm)
No.-35, 12th Main , Srinagar,
Bangalore- 560050
Email: goodheartvejji70@yahoo.co.in

Sadhana Forest
Aurovile – 605101
Tamilnadu, India
Tel: 0413- 2902655
Website: http://auroville.org/society/housing_s.htm
Email: sadhanaforest@auroville.org.in

Jain Doctor Forum
(Promoting Veg*sm for Better Health)
Janakpuri, Near Pani ki Tanki,
Ramghat Road,
Aligarh – U.P.
Ph: 09412877650 (Dr. Sneh Jain)
Email : snehlata_jainus@yahoo.com


Vana Chetana
Post Heddur – 577415
Tirthahalli Taluk, Shimoga Dist.
Karnataka
Email: shannade@rediffmail.com

Prominent members of IVU from India

INTERNATIONAL VEGETARIAN UNION (IVU)
Promoting Vegetarianism Worldwide since 1908
Regd. Office: Parkdale, Dunham Road, Cheshire , WA14 4QG, UK
India & South/West Asia Regional Coordinator :
P.O. Box-17, Byndoor-576214, Udupi Dist., Karnataka, India
Website: www.ivu.org Email: vn.shankar@yahoo.co.in

Prominent members of IVU from India

The Vegetarian Society (Reverence for Life)
114A, Mittal Court, Nariman Point, Mumbai -400021
Website: vegsocmumbai.com
Email: vegsocmumbai@hotmail.com

Indian Vegetarian Congress
No. 12, (17), 2nd Floor
Damodaran Street, Gopalapuram, Chennai -600086

Indian Vegan Society
P.O.Box-17, Byndoor-576214, Udupi Dist., Karnataka
Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

Asian Vegetarian Union
114A, Mittal Court, Nariman Point, Mumbai- 400021

Vegetarian Society of Delhi
Ahimsa Bhawan, F-125, Lado Sarai, New Delhi-110030

PRAYER - Lord of Humility!

Dwelling in the little pariah hut
Help us to search for Thee throughout
That fair land watered by Ganges,
Brahrmaputra and Jamuna.
Give us receptiveness.
Give us open heartedness.
Give us Thy humility.
Give us the ability and willingness.
To identify ourselves
with the masses of India.
O God !
Who does help only when man
Feels utterly humble. Grant that we
may not be isolated from the people.
We would serve as servants and friends.
Let us be embodiments of self sacrifices,
Embodiments of godliness,
Humility personified, that we may know
the land better and love it more.

- Mahatma Gandhi

THOUGHTS FOR A MERCIFUL DAY: “SATURDAY”

[1] If someone defames you or insults you, shower him with flowers, smiles and good wishes.

[2] If I keep the weaknesses of others in my mind, they soon become a part of me.

[3] If clouds remain in the mind, water will fall from the eyes.

[4] Even if you are sick and become a patient, you must never lose patience.

[5] To tolerate someone else’s mistake is one thing. To forgive them is even greater.

[6] If someone keeps laughing at you, don’t fret. At least you are giving happiness.

AHINSA, VEGETARIANISM & VEGANISM

The underlying principle of vegetarianism is ‘non-violence (ahinsa)’ or live and let live. ‘Non-violence cannot be practiced while eating animals or cruelly exploited animal products. Therefore, the practice of non-violence has to begin with our diet. Veganism, the natural extension of vegetarianism, is an integral component of a cruelty-free lifestyle. While vegetarianism is avoiding animals diet, veganism is about avoiding animals in the complete lifestyle, including diet.

Pressure on an expanding population to pursue material gain at the expense of morality and respect for life has brought mass exploitation and destruction of other for beings for food and other benefits. To arrest this trend and make the world we live in gentler, we promote a cruelty-free lifestyle called veganism and vegetarianism as an important step towards veganism. True vegetarianism or veganism provides the foundation for an ethical lifestyle whereby all beings can live in peace and harmony.

Vegans believe that animals have their own lives to live and are not our property to eat, use, experiment, entertain, etc. Animals are not dead ‘things’ but are living beings having the same pain and pleasure we experience. When humans use (abuse) animals, it is unlikely that they care for the needs of the animals. Living vegan who is morally correct and provides numerous benefits to our own health, animals’ lives and the environment. A person who is kind and compassionate to animals is most likely to be so human too.

What you can do ?

Support the “Indian Vegan Society” and the “International Vegetarian Union”. Big or small, your contribution is important, to make the world kinder. Try to avoid all animal products in your diet. While shopping, don’t buy animal product as far as possible; be confident and ask for cruelty-free products only. Don’t patronize zoos, circuses, animal races, shows etc. and don’t use animals for rides, transport or experimentation. When you use animal products, please remember that they come from silently suffering animals that cannot defend themselves against the collective might of humans.

Be proud that you don't eat or exploit animals for your pleasure. Tell others to be kind to animals and ask them to be vegetarians and vegans. Help animals live the life nature intended them to live.

INTERNATIONAL VEGETARIAN UNION (IVU)
A Regd. Charity Estd. in 1908 in the U.K. to promote vegetarianism worldwide.
Region : India , South & West Asia
Email: vn.shankar@yahoo.co.in Web: http://ivu.org

INDIAN VEGAN SOCIETY (IVS)
A non-profit, non-religious, non-political organization promoting cruelty-free lifestyle.
Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

“BWC Rally for International Animal Rights Day”

Beauty Without Cruelty, organized a rally and different street plays on the occasion of international animal rights day (10 Dec 2008).

I congratulate to BWC for this kind work. I am writing the same article in my blog. This article was published in BWC journal “compassionate Friend” and written by Amruta Ubale. She is a BWC education officer.

At BWC, of course every day is an animal right day. This year we decided to mark the animal rights day by conducting an awareness campaign. In Oct. 2008 , I initiated a plan for organizing rallies at Bhopal, Pune and Delhi to mark international animal rights day. We decided to hold it on Mahatma Gandhi, a busting Pune shopping area.

Cruelty is inflicted on animals for innumerable reasons, but we decided to highlight two of them:

[1] The cruelty behind meat production
[2] The cruelty behind leather production

Meat and leather production take millions of lives. We wanted to show that there are healthy alternatives. We also wanted to disseminate the message to leather users that a range of animal-friendly materials are available to them.

We came up with a blue and green ribbon to invest the international animal rights day with a unique symbol – blue to signify animal rights and green, the vegetarian idea. BWC hopes to see all animal activists wearing this ribbon at all venues.

To focus awareness on the cruelties of meat and leather production, we prepared two handbills for distribution: one was the declaration and the other, “3 Good reasons to Go Veg” and “3Good reasons to stop using Leather”

3 Good Reasons to Go Veg

[1] Cruelty behind Meat Production
[2] Concern for our Health
[3] Eating Meat = Eating Earth’s Resources

3 Good Reasons to Stop Using Leather

[1] Not a By-product
[2] Murder of Animals
[3] Using Leather at the cost of our Environment

To heighten people’s empathy with our message, we came up with the idea of street plays.
First Pune Rally

We invited ISCON, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Sai baba Foundation, Jain Temples and others which believe in, and promote, vegetarian lifestyle. This was the first rally to be organized by BWC in Pune.

After each performance of play, we displayed anti-meat and anti-leather placard, shouting slogans like: “Meat is murder”, Stop killing animals for food”, “Stop killing animals for leather”, “Use synthetic leather”, “Veggies rock”, “Beat meat with green”, “Lose red, choose green”, “No meat- no heat”, “Go Veg—live long”, “Live and let live”, and save the animals, save the world”. Supporters joined us as we walked along, so we were eventually 90-100 strong.

Handbills were distributed after each play performance. BWC members, Aloka Deane , Amit Mahalle and I led the crowd to ensure optimum enthusiasm throughout the rally, rendering it an attention-getter for passers-by.

The peppy, enthusiastic crowd, with colorful placard and messages, the reverberating voices of 90-100 people chanting animal rights slogans, children enacting animals situations … the energy generated by the event was awesome.

The rally made the masses aware of cruelty to animals, alternatives to animal products, and that there are people who deliver a message of compassion to support animal rights.

International Consumer's Day - 15 March

12 Painful Questions .........

All animals are asking these questions from all of us.

[1] Why have or celebrities not learnt to shoot with a camera instead of guns ?

[2] Just because it looks like a jewel, can you justify it being converted into jewellery ?

[3] A wolf in sheep’s clothing …. Lamb’s wool?

[4] Fish feel pain, like we do, yet fishy business , eh ?

[5] Can God, the creator, feel happy when a life is sacrificed for him ?

[6] Do you know cheap Chinese furry trinkets, toys and display items could very well be of cat ( or dog) fur ?

[7] You eat no meat, then how come you use leather ?

[8] Naag-Panchmi – festivities meant to honour snakes – actually ends up hurting them.

[9] Rabbits bred in back-yard and sold by the kilo …. Did you know that’s how the white furry cap materialized ?

[10] Is it worth boiling alive 15000 silk moths in their cocoons for one silk saree ?

[11] Monkey business – how can a certain primate make another dance to his tune ?

[12] One wonders who is foolish and who is wise ….. the wise owl or the foolish man who performs black magic ?

12 Painful Questions ……, open your eyes….. Friends …….

Note : With the help of BWC 2009 calendar. Thanks to BWC.

BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY – INDIA

Ahinsa Paramo Dahrmah !

Ahins Paramo Dharmah …. Is the foundation stone of the Jain faith, the statement of non-violence for which Mahatma Gandhi lived, and for “Beauty Without Cruelty” the principle for a way of life which causes no creature of land, sea or air any terror, torture or death.

In many ways, the life of an insect is no less precious than that of a human. All creatures, wild and domesticated, big and small (including us) have an inherent desire to live. We need to therefore remind ourselves that we have no given right to harm, torture, exploit or kill. Not for food, not for adornment , not for entertainment , nor for religion …….. never.

“Beauty Without Cruelty” is a way of life which causes no creature of land, sea or air terror, torture or death.

For more details , please contact :

BEAUTY WITHOUT CRUELTY – INDIA
4, Prince of Wales Drive , Wanowrie,
Pune – 411040

Tel: (020) 26861166 Fax: (020) 26861420
Email: admin@bwcindia.org Website : http://www.bwcindia.org/

THOUGHTS FOR A PURE DAY – “FRIDAY”

[1] Where there is no love, there cannot be peace. Where there is no purity, there cannot be love.

[2] Pure love is the basis of eternal relationships.
[3] Pure manners are filled with grace, impure manners are disgraceful.
[4] If your thoughts are pure, it becomes easy to say what you think and do what you say.
[5] Be yourself, be natural. It is far easier than pretending to be someone else.
[6] There is great beauty in simplicity. That which is simple is close to Truth.

Introduction to Veganism

Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle

Vegans believe, that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use for entertainment. This belief stems from their compassion and reverence for all sentient beings. A vegan lifestyle not only alleviates animal sufferings; it is better for the environment and immensely benefits one’s health.

Leather, wool, fur, reptile skins, ivory, musk scent have been extracted from animals that once bore them for their own protection. But, you can buy cruelty-free plant fiber/synthetic alternatives, readily available at all stores. Non-leather shoes are available, as are handbags and belts.

From this principle follows the specific actions, such as not eating animal flesh, dairy, eggs or honey; not buying leather, wool or silk, avoiding products made by companies that test on animals or have animal ingredients, avoiding zoos and animal based circuses.

By not consuming the product that come from animal exploitation, each individual is making a statement against inhumane practice, undertaking as economic boycott, and supporting the production of vegan products with their subsequent choices. These decisions and the message they send to others, help to move society from industries that use animals as a means to human ends.

Advantages of a Vegan Lifestyle

From the first, you will find that your resistance is better to common cold and fevers. This is because dairy products reduce immunity. Over the long term, medicine has proved that you will have less than half the risk of developing heart disease, respiratory disorders, osteoporosis or even cancer ! ( Read The Food Revolution, John Robbins, now available in India)

Making the Change to a Vegan Diet

For an Indian vegetarian, giving up milk and dairy products is the biggest decision, But remember that you will be relieving that suffering of thousands of dairy cows and calves who will end up in the slaughter-houses within the first 5 years of their lives, or when the mil yield diminishes.

Soya milk, coconut milk and peanut milk are all alternatives available in India, but it is easier to make small lifestyle changes instead. If you have lemon tea or mint tea instead of adding milk, the change to veganism is hardly noticeable.

It takes an average of 40 days for a lifestyle change to become a habit.


“The animals of the world exist for there own reasons. They were not made for humans any more that black people were made for white, or woman created for men.”
Alice Walker, Author of “The Color Purple”

Many thanks to PETA (United States)

Today, I received this Recipe from PETA (United States)

Creamy Chive Mashed Potatoes

Round out a flavorful meal of home-cooked comfort foods with a side of seasoned mashed potatoes.

5 large potatoes, diced
1 cup liquid nondairy creamer (try Silk brand)
2 Tbsp. margarine
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Salt and pepper, to taste

[1] Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes.

[2] Drain the potatoes, place in a bowl with the remaining ingredients, and mix until smooth.

[3] Serve hot.

Makes 4 to 5 servings

THOUGHTS FOR A KNOWLEDGEFUL DAY- “THURSDAY”

[1] If you have the habit of waiting for others, you will get left behind.

[2] Good books are like good company. Obscene literature pollutes our minds and leads us to wrong paths.

[3] No matter how great your words may be, you will be judged by your actions.

[4] If you miss an opportunity, do not cloud your eyes with tears. Keep your vision clear so that you will not miss the next time.

[5] Sticks and stones break bones – words often break relationship.

[6] Do you UNDERSTAND the Tree of life or do you simply STAND UNDER its branches ?

Note: The Thoughts have been taken from the book "Thought for Today"

WHY VEGAN ?

Do you care about animals ? Do you care about the environment ? Do you care about other people? What about your family’s health? If the answer to any (or hopefully all) of these questions is Yes, then we have got another question for you:

DO YOU REALISE HOW EASY IT IS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL OF THESE AREAS?

If you want to prevent animals from suffering unnecessarily, to help reduce deforestation, water pollution and global warming, to avoid contributing to the hunger of the world’s poorest people, and to look after your health and that of your family now and in the future, then it’s time to make some positive choices.

You have the choice to use the power your purse to take control – to raise your hand and say ‘enough is enough’. What you buy and the way you live has a direct impact on the way the world works, and it’s time to make a conscious decision that impact will be a positive one.

By choosing to live a life free from animal product you choose a path that is kinder to people, animals and the environment. In fact, there are so many good reasons to reject meat, eggs and dairy products and so many delicious animal free alternatives that the real question is not ‘WHY VEGAN?’ but ‘WHY NOT?’

To join or support the “Indian Vegan Society”, write to Mr Shankar Narayan
Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

STHITAPRAJNA (PERFECT YOGI)

STHITAPRAJNA (Perfect Yogi)

(International Vegan Centre for Yoga, Meditation, Relaxation and Rejuvenation)

Gita identifies the person with the True Human Nature by the Sanskrit name "Sthitaprajna (Perfect Yogi). Sthita means stable, Prajna is mind / intellect / wisdom. Sthitaprajna is a person whose mind has stabilized. According to Gita , Sthitarajna attains the Universal Wisdom and Eternal Peace by abandoning the illusory pain and sufferings.

Sthitaprajna, is a charitable vegan community located close to the western coast of south India in the state of Karnataka, on the footsteps of western ghats, a world hot spot of bio-diversity. Sthitaprajna is spread over about 3 acres of vibrant nature along a seasonal natural stream. Nearest airport is Mangalore(140 kms) and the Railway Station is Byndoor (12 kms) . Direct daily bus services available from major cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

At, Sthitaprajna one learns to live a life in a state of constant happiness with good health and in harmony with nature (animals and earth) using minimum resources available in the nature. We have healthy vegan food with emphasis on organically grown ingredients procured from local sources. We plan to grow stock free organic vegetables and other produces wherever possible.

At Sthitaprajna, we plan to have a yoga hall for the practice of yoga, pranayama and meditation. It is an eco-friendly place for relaxation and rejuvenation having very basic amenities with places for reading and listening to soulful music, playing indoor and outdoor games, cooking and eating, connecting with the external world using telephone, email and internet. One may involve in other activities like cooking, cleaning , gardening etc in the campus. Trekking along the mountains, village walk, visit to beach, ex-cursions to nearly temple towns like Kollur, Murdeshwar , Udupi and Dharmasthala can be other options.

STHITA PRAJNA is an associate of Indian Vegan Society and International Vegetarian Union and slated to open on world Vegan Day on 1st November 2009

For more Details please contact :

Mr. Shankar Narayan
P.O. Box-17, Byndoor, Kundanpur Taluk,Udupi Dist. , Karnataka, India
Mobile: 0091-9341128767
Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

INDIAN VEGAN SOCIETY

INTERNATIONAL VEGETARIAN UNION (IVU)
Promoting Vegetarianism Worldwide since 1908

Regd. Office : Pardale, Dunham Road , Cheshire , WA14 4 QG , U.K.

INDIAN VEGAN SOCIETY
Promoting Healthy, Happy, Kind, Compassionate & Cruelty – free Lifestyle

“IT IS OUR MORAL DUTY NOT TO LIVE UPON OUR FELLOW ANIMALS” BY MAHATMA GANDHI”

Member : International Vegetarian Union (IVU), U.K.

Indian Vegan Society is a non-profit organization promoting plant based diet and a lifestyle in harmony with nature by organizing vegan events, humane education programs in schools , public talks , newspaper articles , music programs etc.

Membership is open to all those who accept the principles of Veganism.

For more Details please contact :

Mr. Shankar Narayan : India & South/West Asia Regional Coordinator
P.O. Box-17, Byndoor – 577214 , Udupi Dist. , Karnataka, India
Website : http://ivu.org/ Email: indianvegansociety@rediffmail.com

Thoughts for a Powerful "Wednesday" :-

[1] When there is faith and victory in the mind, success can be gained. If the thoughts are weak, there is defeat.

[2] If God is my Father, Teacher, Guide etc. How can I have fear of anything in this physical world ?

[3] We all must face problems, but it is how you face them that counts.

[4] Problems in the world will increase; therefore, you should increase your capacity for dealing with problems.

[5] If you give your heart to God, you will not get heart attacks.

[6] Self-control will give you unlimited control.

THOUGHT FOR TUESDAY-LOVEFUL

Thought are the food of the mind. A new thought everyday will not only be fresh food but will provide the necessary nutrition and stimulant needed to keep the mind healthy and enthusiastic about life. In this day of disruption and chaos, this is important.

Each day has its own "Special for the day". MONDAY - Peaceful; TUESDAY-Loveful; WEDNESDAY-Powerful; THURSDAY-Knowledgeful; FRIDAY-Pure; SATURDAY-Merciful; SUNDAY-Blissful. Each offering a full selection from which to feast the mind.

It is recommended Grade "A" diet.

Love is indeed almost powerful force. It can take us to great heights and leave us light and airy. True love is based on understanding, mutual trust and respect, not simply on emotions. Love is being in balance, that is, in harmony with the self, God and our fellow men. Love is selflessness. Without love , all of life's treasures are locked away from our vision and experiences, for indeed "Love is the key".

[1] Every situation in life must be faced, and so why not face it with love?

[2] Happiness is lost when any thought of envy or hatred creeps in. Thoughts of love and good wishes cure sorrow.

[3] No one tortures you except your own nature. Make your nature sweet and loveable; then win the love of all.

[4] If you are alone, you have no value. But if you are loving, sweet an co-operative in company, then you are valuable.

[5] We all consider ourselves to be part of MANKIND….Yes we ARE part of MAN, but how KIND are we?

[6] Is it possible to have unity in a nation when each one feels that he is, better than his neighbour.

"The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University"

Last week, I went to Mount abu and visited "The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University" (Raja Yoga Centre). This university is dedicated to the moral and spiritual upliftment of humanity.

I would like to share my experiences with all of you। I have taken all this matter from the book "THOUGHT FOR TODAY".

The University is not out to convert anyone, or to make anyone into a follower. It helps to create leaders, not followers. The classes are open to persons of all faiths, ages, races and backgrounds. The University is completely independent and charges nothing for its services.