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.

As a doctor, I had been frustrated with allopathic medicine’s shortcomings in addressing my health issues despite being a lifelong vegetarian. In 2014, I stumbled upon plant-based alternatives while trying to take care of my allergies and little did I know it would transform my life.

However, adopting a plant-based lifestyle brought unexpected benefits. I experienced significant weight loss, and more importantly, a profound sense of calmness and clarity of mind emerged. As I reflected upon my youth, I came to the realization that my consumption of dairy was negligent before coming to United States. I would say – my allergies started when I left my town Godhra to go to college and started consuming milk in large quantity.

As I delved deeper into veganism; and I discovered the harsh realities of the dairy industry and its impact on animal welfare. This realization resonated deeply with my Jain values of Ahimsa, or non-violence. I began to see veganism not just as a dietary choice but as a lifestyle that embodies compassion and kindness towards all living beings.

My newfound passion led me to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the environmental implications of food choices. Learning about climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution further solidified my commitment to veganism.

Today, I see veganism as a holistic approach to life, encompassing not just food but also a mindset that values sustainability, animal welfare, and personal well-being. My journey has taught me that even small choices can have a profound impact on our lives and the world around us. By embracing veganism, I’ve found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends beyond personal health to encompass a broader sense of responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants.