I have been in the United States since 1990 and have been a vegetarian since birth. Growing up, I never understood the cruelty behind the dairy industry. In October 2007, a friend sent me a link to www.meat.org. The video I watched revealed the harsh reality of cruelty in the meat, dairy and poultry industries. That moment opened my eyes—and I became vegan the same day. I will always be grateful to my friend for sharing that video, even though he himself still favors dairy over plant-based alternatives.

My wife, Neeta, soon joined me in adopting a vegan lifestyle. In 2020, our children, Avani and Aakash, also became vegan out of compassion and after seeing their benefits. Today, our entire family is proud to live a vegan lifestyle.

The transformation has been remarkable. Spiritually, we feel more aligned with the Jain principle of Ahimsa—nonviolence toward all living beings, including even the smallest one-sense life forms (ekendriya jivs). Consuming dairy involves the exploitation and suffering of highly sentient animals (sangni panchendriya jivas), which directly contradicts Jain values.

Our physical health has improved significantly, and mentally, we feel lighter and more at peace. On a spiritual level, veganism has deepened our compassion and connection with all life. Beyond personal benefits, it is also a powerful way to help protect our planet, as a vegan lifestyle reduces environmental harm.

For us, veganism is not just a diet—it is the true Jain way of living: a path that honors life, promotes health, nurtures the planet, and strengthens the soul.