When our son, Alap Shah, a medical student, returned from the 2002 YJA Convention in New Jersey, we went to the airport to pick him up. As parents, we naturally asked about his experience and what he had learned. His response surprised us: he said he had decided to become vegan.

We were curious about his reasons. As a family, we avoided honey and cheeses containing rennet-based enzymes for two to three years. We knew about veganism and thought it was a noble idea, but it seemed too extreme for us, living in a small town in Illinois. We told him that even being vegetarian was a challenge in college, so being vegan would be even harder for him.

Alap responded with conviction:

“Being vegan is one of the best ways to show respect, compassion, and Ahimsa (non-harming), a core principle of Jain Dharma. Being vegan is the best way to show our love for all animals who cannot express their suffering.”

When we saw his determination, we fully supported him. Wanting to be the best supporters possible, we transitioned slowly from vegetarian to vegan within several months. Meeting Shree Pravinbhai further strengthened our commitment.

Guruji Shree Chitrabhanuji, a great supporter and advocate of veganism, reinforced our understanding. Using the Theory of Karma (Vedaniya, Äushya, Antaräya Karma), he explained why following a vegan lifestyle aligns with Jain values. When Guruji learned that Alap had embraced veganism, he called to congratulate and bless him, offering his Anumodana (approval and encouragement).

Alap has remained committed to veganism for over two decades and is now raising his two children in a vegan lifestyle with his vegan wife. He has also encouraged several youths to follow a vegan lifestyle in the Chicago Jain Center.