Unlike many Jains, my journey to veganism began as a meat-eater, gradually transitioning to vegetarian and then vegan diets.

Born in the UK in 1971, I moved to Western Canada at four. Despite devout Jains in our family, we were isolated. We had no Jain or vegetarian friends, and my parents had limited knowledge of Jainism.

As a child, I ate meat, dairy, and eggs. Doctors even advised my vegetarian mother to feed me eggs for growth. I loved meat, though it was seldom purchased. My parents were unaware of plant-based protein sources, and options were limited. I worried about my low protein intake, seeing others bigger and stronger.

At 14, moving to Toronto exposed me to many Jains and vegetarians. An IMJM Jain camp made me aware of animal suffering. It took a year to give up meat due to my attachment to its taste.

At 16, I learned about veganism and the suffering involved in dairy and egg production. Fortified soy milk was unavailable then, and unfortified was expensive. My librarian, Mrs. Keele, Bruce Constain (Balbhadra), and classmates were early vegan promoters. Bruce’s phrase, “Milk is liquid meat,” resonated, though I initially disliked it. Veganism never left my mind, though I doubted I could commit.

In the 1990s, I met more vegans through JAINA, and commercial soy milk became available, which was a turning point. I gave up eggs and dairy milk but struggled with yogurt and cheese.

I attended Vegfest in Toronto, meeting more vegan friends. With Jain friends, I co-founded a Jain youth camp. I taught kids about dairy violence and drastically cut down cheese and yogurt, though I couldn’t completely let go, even helping the camp serve only vegan food.

In 2010, at a Toronto animal rights event, I met non-Jains, including a former hockey player, who became vegan after watching “Earthlings.” Their example inspired me, who was still hesitant as a Jain. I became decidedly vegan that evening; my desire for the taste of cheese and yoghurt vanished.

Since then, I’ve become a vegan advocate and educator, appreciating vegan alternatives that help people transition. I value the diverse high-density plant-based protein sources now available. Beyond sparing animals, I learned about the vast ecological, health, and food security implications of animal products.