Vol. XXXIII No. 2 Monsoon 2010

Journal of Beauty Without Cruelty - An International Educational Charitable Trust for Animal Rights

IN THIS ISSUE:

Meat exports Elephant polo

Value-based education

Blood from and for vegetarians

Taamasik, raajasik, and saatvik food Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

Contents Editorial 1 Editorial: Meat feat 2 Elephant polo Meat feat 4 Lost values 6 Fact, not fancy: Concern for animals a spiritual quality 9 Blood from and for vegetarians only 10 FAQ 11 Around the world 12 Readers write, Vegan recipe, FYI: Taamasik, raajasik, and saatvik food BWC News & Views Cover photo courtesy: Krushna Ghule.

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Bhansali & Co. Courtesy: Ashoke www.bhansali.biz ost countries’ actions are decided on by Mgroups of aggressive men and women who are in a position to get their way, so parts of a nation’s history and heritage are often found irrelevant to its current actions. Beauty Without Cruelty Donations, big or small, to are exempted In the 20th and 21st centuries we under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. fi nd an example in the national conduct of Israel. Jews suffered Publisher: Diana Ratnagar, during World War II, but Chairperson, BWC - India BWC are neo-Nazis in their attitude Editor: Ashoke Dasgupta Graphic Designer: Kajal Harpude to Palestinians today. Anyone Printer: Mudra who has seen “Braveheart” Beauty Without Cruelty 383 Narayan Peth, Pune 411 030 knows that Scots suffered at is a way of life the hands of the English. That which causes no creature Compassionate Friend is printed on did not prevent them from of land, sea or air paper free of animal substances and joining their former oppressors terror, torture or death published every spring (February), in oppressing their colonies summer (May), monsoon (August) when the opportunity presented Beauty Without Cruelty India and winter (November). - itself. A third example of the 4 Prince of Wales Drive incongruity between a nation’s © Compassionate Friend Wanowrie, Pune 411040 past and present actions is Tel: +91 20 2686 1166 is the copyright of Beauty Without Cruelty - India. that of the U.S.A., which Fax: +91 20 2686 1420 Unauthorised reproduction in any did not consider the election E-mail: [email protected] manner, without written permission of a socialist government in Website: www.bwcindia.org from the publisher, is prohibited. France sound enough reason Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 1

the Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity; mother, through the village community, of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all.”

For all that, India is climbing the totem pole of global meat-exporting countries. Frozen meat and meat products exports crossed Rs 6,000 crores in 2009-10, up 82 percent in three years. Apparently this “progress” is due to better cattle health and Prabal Ghosh, secretary, Canadian Institute of Food Science & Technology, presents research and technology cooperation opportunities between Canada a rising international demand and India in the agri-food sector, at the CIFST's Annual General Meeting for beef. at Winnipeg April 30 2010. He said food processing was a priority sector in India as well as Canada; India has a huge pool of scientifi c Some experts opine that India and research personnel, and is the second-fastest-growing Asian market. He did not say that unfortunately such cooperation means suffering and may become one of the death for the animals involved in some industries, which is contrary to biggest frozen meat suppliers the heritage of India. Photo courtesy: A. Dasgupta. as almost 13 percent of the world’s cattle, 50 percent of for military intervention in these activities. The Rig Veda its buffaloes and 15 percent French affairs. Yet it invaded Samhita says, “One who of its goats live here. Meat and carpet-bombed Vietnam the partakes of human fl esh, the exports are currently around same decade in a (failed) bid to fl esh of a horse or of another 5,00,000 tonnes annually, keep it from going communist. animal, and deprives others of but the potential is greater. In Egypt, for example, the market Coming to Meat exports are currently for frozen meat used to be India, we fi nd around 5,00,000 tonnes annually, dominated by Brazil but, in ahinsa an the last few years, Indian meat important facet but the potential is greater. has replaced Brazilian. Vietnam, of our heritage Malaysia and other Southeast and culture since Vedic times. milk by slaughtering cows, O Asian nations are also potential Ahinsa, meaning to do no King, if such a fi end does global contenders. harm to living creatures and not desist by other means, to avoid violence, is an then you should not hesitate to The only things holding India ancient Indian religious tenet punish such a person.” back are stringent safety in Buddhism, Hinduism and norms, adequate cold storage . It is connected to The U.S. historian Will Durant and warehousing facilities — the idea that violence entails said: "India was the motherland and, perhaps, its once-glorious negative karmic consequences. of our race, and the cultural heritage. Though ritual sacrifi ce of mother of Europe's languages: animals and meat-eating are she was the mother of our condoned in the earliest Vedic philosophy; mother, through texts, other texts present the Arabs, of much of our counter-arguments against mathematics; mother, through E-mail: [email protected] 2 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

Elephant polo: by reducing them to pathetic to use attendance fees to shadows of their former regal bolster, and raise awareness conservation activity selves. Elephant polo is currently of, conservation efforts — or animal abuse? played principally in India, Sri but there is no evidence Lanka, Thailand and Nepal. that wild animals performing By Shubhobroto Ghosh frivolous tricks sensitises the The game is sought out in masses to conservation efforts. re animals meant to Rajasthan because foreign To make matters worse, several entertain rich folks as tourists patronise it. This sport of the elephants used in Jaipur’s A they guzzle champagne has been going on there for polo matches are without valid and caviar? That appears more than 30 years, climaxing certifi cates, or with forged to be the motive behind the on November 18 2006, when a certifi cates. The animals have organization of elephant polo high-profi le elephant polo match probably been illegally procured games. Though a form of was organised in Jaipur. from Assam and traded in elephant polo was fi rst played violation of the Wildlife Rajasthan is not a natural in India at the beginning of Protection Act 1972, which elephant-range state. Some of the 20th century, the modern lists elephants as a Schedule its captive elephants are the form of the game originated in I species to be accorded the descendants of those used by Meghauli, Nepal — reportedly highest level of protection in its royal families decades ago. after a drinking bout. Nepal’s the country. Temperatures are usually “Tiger Tops” resort remains the too high in Rajasthan to be Regardless of whether the headquarters of elephant polo’s conducive to elephant welfare. elephants used in polo matches merry men, and the site of the are treated “World Elephant Polo humanely or not, Championships.” The game is sought out in Rajasthan because foreign tourists patronise it. elephant experts have argued that Elephants are gregarious these animals are creatures that walk miles The animals have been reported being unnecessarily dragged every day in search of food and to suffer from tuberculosis, into a spectacle that should opportunities to socialise with opacity of the eyes, gaping not be organized at all. One their own kind in their natural wounds on the body, massive of the world’s leading wildlife habitat. The (illegal) process of foot problems and a host of rehabilitators, who has hand- capturing these sensitive, gentle other diseases that make their reared more than 75 baby creatures is a brutal and cruel lives miserable. They are also African elephants, describes this one, documented by several used to transport tourists at game as insensitive and cruel. videos and fi lms. Calves are Amber Fort in the scorching Another expert who has studied separated from their families sun, and are treated badly by African Elephants several and beaten mercilessly till their handlers. Handlers use decades in Amboseli National their spirits are broken and ankushes, or metal prods, to Park, Kenya, has also expressed they accede to their captors’ exert control and dominance her opposition to the sport. demands. Many animals, adult over them. and young, die in this process. Criticism has poured in from Starvation and the use of There is a consensus among luminaries in the animal rights, red-hot iron rods to tame the international elephant specialists animal welfare and conservation unfortunate creatures are but a and wildlife experts about fi elds. Virginia McKenna, a part of this induction. the pointlessness of making former president of Beauty these hapless creatures play Without Cruelty International Some sections of society deem a game intended for human and an eloquent elephant welfare it acceptable to use these benefi t. Some organisers of campaigner for at least 25 years, giants for their entertainment elephant polo matches seek has repeatedly appealed to the Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 3 organisers of this sport to stop activity is not of signifi cant activists. Decades of research it in India and neighbouring welfare or conservation concern, by leading elephant experts countries. its opponents have stated that have established that elephants the game is inherently cruel and are capable of experiencing the Many Indian groups and counterproductive, especially same emotions as humans. In activists have expressed their if conducted in the name of the light of all that has been opposition too. A website conservation; it fuels the illegal written here, and in the website has been developed at www. trade in this endangered species. mentioned, it is suggested this stopelephantpolo.com to raise The elephants of Rajasthan activity be examined to prevent societal awareness of the deserve better than to be treated unnecessary abuse of the futility of using wild animals wonderful, amazing pachyderms as mere curios in a state that has in this game, no matter what whose real abode is the verdant much to offer in the form of the intention. greenery of the jungles. cultural and historical heritage The elephant polo issue has and pageantry. E been the centre of debate on Shubhobroto Ghosh is the electronic list of the Hong The sensitive nature of a BWC member. The views Kong-based Asian Animal elephants is not a fi gment of the expressed in this article are Protection Network. While the imagination of so-called “bunny his own, conveyed as an game’s supporters claim this huggers” and animal rights individual.

Elephant Suffering

The Animal Welfare Board of India, Help In Suffering of Jaipur, and Elephant Family of the U.K. did not give a thought to the basic exploitation of elephants. Instead, they organised a Cartier-sponsored elephant polo event at Jaipur. Although the use of the ankush was forbidden, the event drew considerable fl ak from many international animal rights and wildlife groups.

Snehal Bhatt of the SPCA says the pictures taken by them in Nepal (below), where baby elephants were beaten so badly were especially disturbing: "They show how the polo sticks whack the elephants' trunks when they miss the ball. The trunk is very sensitive, and supposed to be animal's nose. They screamed in pain. At Jaipur, I and other activists were detained and no one was allowed inside. My husband had to take pictures from outside the grounds, so some of the photos (above) were blurred.” Photos courtesy: Rajesh Bhavsar, GSPCA 4 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

To make matters worse, schools protect and improve the natural Lost values organize co-curricular activities environment including forests, such as visits to circuses or zoos, lakes, rivers and wild life, and By Amruta Ubale and dissection. These alienate to have compassion for living students further from our ancient creatures”. n days gone by, one of heritage. The school environment Global warming is an earth- the most important duties has become so competitive that shaking reality. Many species of teachers was to instill students get severely depressed I have become extinct, and values in their students. Values if unable to top their classes. many more are vulnerable due play an important role in Some commit suicide on failing to climatic change. Species distinguishing right from wrong. examinations. have lost their ability to evolve fast enough to prevent their extinction. The farm animal sector is a major contributor to global warming. Activities taking place in or for slaughterhouses, such as grain production for animal feed, waste storage and disposal, water use, and energy expenditures on farms, as well as transporting feed and fi nished animal products, lead to major environmental problems triggering climate change.

Compassion and kindness towards animals was taught to Indian children from ancient times. For ages philosophers, political leaders, sages, gurus Reverence for life and scholars have expressed the Such teachings were rooted the most important value importance of, and need for, in our rich Indian culture and compassion and reverence for tradition of non-violence. Gurus Psychologists have discovered a all forms of life, as indicated inspired their shishyas to be link between cruelty to animals by the following quotations: compassionate and respect all in childhood and criminal forms of life, but these values behavior in adults. Several “Kindness to animals is the seem lost on the horizons of studies conducted on criminals highest religion” — Lord our memories today. point out that cruelty towards animals during childhood is an The current educational system early sign of criminal behavior. "Whoever is kind to the has deviated from this path. Most criminals who have been creatures of God is kind Values are taking a back seat, violent toward people share a to himself." — The Prophet the prime focus being on common history of cruelty to Mohammed subject knowledge. Materialistic animals in their childhood. goals are offered as the “The Lord is good to all: and his motivators driving the youth One of the Fundamental tender mercies are over all his of today. Because of these Duties under Part IVA 51A(g) works.” — King James Bible preoccupations, students have of The Constitution of India no time for, and do not feel the states, “It shall be the duty “The highest religion is to rise need for, learning values. of every citizen of India – to to universal brotherhood; and Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 5 to consider all creatures your reverence for life: equals.” — Guru Nanak Humane alternatives like “The greatness of a nation and computer programs need to be its moral progress can be judged used in place of dissection. by the way its animals are treated.” — Mahatma Gandhi Plays, skits and debates which portray the lives and The solution: importance of animals need to value-based education be encouraged. Student sharing values learnt from a BWC awareness program conducted by Young children have proved to Viewing fi lms on nature and the writer, who is standing at the right. have inborn compassion, though wildlife helps students appreciate Photo courtesy: Khurshid Bhathena they lose this aspect of their our ancient natural heritage. create environments conducive nature in time. Parents and to generating and sustaining teachers consider compassion The natural habitats of animals values in their students. A unimportant and do not fi nd can be visited by students concise course in value-based a need to reinforce it. A instead of zoos or circuses. education (covering ethical, child cannot develop into a moral and civic values) harmonious personality with Helping in civic and social would help teachers impart high values unless the basic causes reinforces students’ values value-based education to their value of reverence for life is and puts them into practice. students. inculcated through value-based Keeping pets like cats and The media has a profound education, which entails: dogs can be encouraged as it infl uence on the minds of ● Thoughts (a mind that helps them understand animals, children as well as adults. knows) — bringing out positive bond with and respect them. The Union Ministry of attitudes in children like that Information & Broadcasting of kindness and could bend every respect for all A child cannot develop into a harmonious effort to encourage living beings. personality with high values unless the positive infl uences on children’s minds basic value of reverence for life is inculcated ● Concerns (a and weed out heart that feels) through value-based education. negative ones. — assisting children to clarify doubts and Kindness clubs need to be Beauty Without Cruelty was develop consciences based on formed as they make students asked to submit its views fair play, justice and compassion aware of animal exploitation on value-based education to for things ethically, morally and and ways to alleviate suffering. the Parliamentary Standing socially right, as well as to Committee on Human Resource develop a strong civic sense. The teacher plays a pivotal Development (HRD) in 1997. role in the education system. ● Deeds (actions that speak) In addition to imparting Once again BWC has requested — providing children the knowledge and developing the HRD Minister to include needed support to uphold their student's skills, one of the value-based education in schools these principles at all times most important duties of a across the country. and places. teacher is to instill values among students. Only if Co-curricular activities need teachers know, and live by, to be designed to promote high values themselves can Amruta Ubale is the values of compassion and they be in a position to BWC’s education offi cer 6 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

Fact, not fancy International Society for Krishna Delhi: In 1983 the Municipal Consciousness (ISKCON) Corporation of New Delhi Concern for animals runs lacto-vegetarian cafeterias banned restaurants serving non- a spiritual quality and shops. vegetarian food within 100 metres of a temple. The Delhi The sanctity of the places By Nirmal Nishchit High Court upheld the ban in mentioned below is maintained 2003, and it is being enforced. he 2006 Hindu-CNN- with zero negativity as no The Jain Bird Hospital opposite IBN State of the animals are killed, or carcasses the Red Fort is owned and run Nation Survey found T consumed, because religion free of charge by the adjoining 31 percent of Indians were plays an important role as Digambar Jain Lal Mandir. pure vegetarians while another manifested in laws, rules No food is allowed to be 9 percent consumed eggs, and orders which forbid the taken into the Akshardham or i.e. 363 million were lacto- consumption of non-vegetarian Swaminarayan Temple complex. vegetarians and 105 million foods. No one objects. In fact, Pure vegetarian food is lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Religion, people respect and implement available inside. The Kaal community, caste, inherited such bans happily. Where Bhairava in places like cultural habits and location bans do not exist, there are New Delhi and Varanasi feature were infl uencing factors. Other statues of dogs. A temple at surveys estimate up to 42 self-imposed restrictions by Channapatna’s Ramanagar percent are vegetarian and less devotees who wouldn’t dream District in also than 30 percent consume meat of entering a temple with non- honours dogs. At the main regularly. In vegetarian homes, vegetarian food, leave alone temple in Khanpur, Patiala, the it is mostly the male family consuming it within the temple fi rst bhogs, or offerings, have members who sometimes precincts. State-by-state notes been given to dogs for over consume non-vegetarian food follow. 300 years. outside the home. It has been Andhra Pradesh: The famous observed that a majority of Sri Venkateswara Temple at Gujarat: At Palitana, where Jains, Vaishnavas, Vaishyas, Tirupati requests people visiting there are hundreds of Jain Banias, Marwaris, Komtis, Tirumala to offer due respect temples, no non-vegetarian food Shettys, Chettiars, Lingayats, and by not eating non-vegetarian is served or sold. In March up to 55 percent of Brahmins, 2010 the High Court dismissed food inside. are vegetarian. a petition, fi led by fi shermen, Religious heads successfully : A campaign launched challenging the order banning demanded that slaughterhouses in 2006 to turn Bodh Gaya, fi shing in Palitana District’s remain closed on certain where Gautam Buddha attained Shetrunji River. enlightenment, into a vegetarian auspicious days. The The Ahmedabad Municipal zone is gaining support. At Shankaracharyas and spiritual Corporation’s decision to close gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in District, slaughterhouses and ban the of the Art of Living Foundation, where Lord Mahavir attained sale of meat for the nine days Sri Sathya Sai Baba of salvation, everyone abstains of Paryushan was upheld by Puttaparthi, Dada J. P. Vaswani from non-vegetarian food and the Supreme Court in 2008. of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, alcohol. Fishing is prohibited The city has a strong tradition Dadi Janki of Brahma Kumaris, around the . of being shuddh shakahari – Swami Chidananda Saraswati Chhatisgarh: Meat has been so much so, the world’s fi rst of Parmarth Ashram, Baba all-vegetarian Pizza Hut opened banned by the state government Ramdev, and Deepak Chopra here. extol the benefi ts of a vegetarian at Dongargh, a pilgrimage centre diet. For those who practice near Raipur. Two other temple To commemorate the 2,600th yoga, vegetarianism is also towns of the state, Rajim and birth anniversary of Lord advocated by teachers such as Shivrinarayan, are eagerly Mahavir in 2001, Gujarat Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. The awaiting a similar ban. prohibited cooking, bringing into Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 7 its buildings and serving non- vegetarian food is also said to cuisine is vegetarian food (including eggs) have been prohibited at the mainly vegetarian, though only in all its state guest houses, Baba Budangiri Shrine since 35 percent are vegetarian in the at its Mount Abu, Rajasthan, 2004. Other pilgrimage sites in state. circuit house and the Gujarat Dakshina and Udupi Maharashtra: Vegetarian food Bhavan, New Delhi. have imposed similar bans. is found in the vicinity of the Vegetarian cuisine is served at The Lord Ananthapadmanabha Sai Baba Sansthan complex at local restaurants around the (Lord Vishnu) Temple near Shirdi. The fi ve-star Hotel Sun- holy places of , Taranga is reportedly 'n-Sand and Domino's Pizza Hills, Somnath, and Veraval; guarded by a vegetarian voluntarily maintain the sanctity only vegetarian Kathiawad crocodile which lives in of their locations via strict food is available at Dwarka in the temple lake. Priests offer vegetarian fare. Pune’s Sadhu . it prasadam/naivedyam every Vaswani Mission promotes morning. Haryana: Sixty two percent vegetarianism and advocates of Haryana’s population is Kerala: As the town of observing November 25 as a vegetarian. The Agarwals Guruvayoor, near Thrissur, Meatless Day. Vegetarian meals observe strict lacto- revolves around the Sri Krishna are cooked by the disciples vegetarianism, especially in Temple, all its restaurants offer at Pune’s Osho Commune, their Agroha Temple complex only vegetarian food. However, in keeping with Bhagwan near Hisar. Their ancient King the cruelty of keeping temple Rajneesh’s philosophy. Agroha curbed deer-hunting elephants cannot be excused Orissa: In 1994, the Puri by fi ning people for hunting here, as elsewhere. deer. He was known to worship Municipal Corporation stopped snakes. Many gaushalas have About 5,000 Sarpa Kavus, or the sale and preparation of been set up by the Agarwal shrines dedicated to the serpent meat, fi sh, poultry, and eggs community because King god, have snakes, lizards and in all restaurants and shops Agrasen cast the cow in the frogs living in the thick foliage within specifi c areas around the sacred role of a mata. of groves adjoining temples Jagannath Temple. Legend has owned mainly by Nair and it that the cooking of vegetarian Jammu and Kashmir: All Brahmin families. food in the temple kitchen is restaurants at Katra, which supervised by the Goddess serves as the base camp for Non-vegetarian food is . yatras to Vaishno Devi, provide not allowed in the Mata pure vegetarian food. Amitanandamayi Math at At the Konark Temple near Amritapuri, Kollam. The trust Bhubhaneshwar, typical Oriya Jharkhand: Jains believe that runs vegetarian soup kitchens in food – rice with vegetables – is the tigers living in the Parasnath the U.S. available. Temple’s dense cliff forest and shrines near Dhanbad are Madhya Pradesh: Non- Puducherry: The Sri Aurobindo vegetarian. vegetarian food has been Ashram serves vegetarian dishes, banned at all (declared) Hindu most of which are made from Karnataka: There is religious sites. In Ujjain vegetables grown on its farm. no slaughterhouse at (Avantika) and the twin towns , a Jain of and Amarkantak Punjab: The state is 48 percent pilgrimage centre. The state sales of meat, fi sh and eggs are vegetarian. has banned consumption and forbidden except in certain parts Some minority sects of Sikhs sales of non-vegetarian food of the towns. within a 200-metre radius like the Namdharis are strict of the Sree Datta Peetha Non-vegetarian food isn’t vegetarians. The Golden cave temple in Chikmagalur allowed in the area of Temple in Amritsar forbids District, enforced by a Rs. 500 , a Jain pilgrimage the consumption of non- fi ne. The consumption of non- centre. vegetarian food within its 8 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

perimeter. Langars, or free Non-vegetarian food is not an add-on to the existing ban community vegetarian meals, allowed at the Theosophical on meat sales. Moreover, no are dished out at all gurdwaras. Society’s international head- shops are allowed to sell non- quarters at Adyar, . vegetarian food on the yatra The Radha Soami Satsang Beas Mylapore has several old route to these places. Dera (ashram) langar also feeds temples, and non-vegetarian food Uttaranchal: Serving non- visitors daily vegetarian meals. is unavailable in the Brahmin- vegetarian food is prohibited at The dera’s 6,000 residents are dominated Mada Veethi area. hotels, guest houses, restaurants vegetarians who grow their own and eateries at and around produce on over a 1,000 acres. Uttar Pradesh: Meat, fi sh and eggs are not permitted to the holy places of Badrinath, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Rajasthan: Rajasthan is 63 be sold around shrines like Gangotri, close to the Indo- percent vegetarian. The Bishnoi Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Tibetan border. community has protected Rama. wildlife and trees, on religious West Bengal: Unlike other Not far from Mathura and grounds, for centuries. One of Kali temples, animals are not resembling the Taj Mahal, the the community’s commandments sacrifi ced at the Dakshineshwar Jaigurudeo Temple (Naam Yog is to be compassionate towards Temple, near Kolkata. Symbolic Sadhna Mandir) prohibits non- all living beings and another, bali, the ritual sacrifi ce of vegetarians’ donations. not to eat meat. white pumpkins, sugarcane and Any food served around the bananas is gradually becoming Pushkar, a pilgrimage centre Mahaparinirvana Buddhist more frequent, replacing animal near Ajmer, has an unwritten Temple at Kushinagar has to be sacrifi ces, e.g. Sandhi Puja for the Goddess Durga on Maha but well-observed rule of pure pure vegetarian. No animal can Ashtami and during Navami vegetarianism. The Rankapur be slaughtered in , as Puja at the Ramakrishna Math features a carving the city has no abattoir. and Mission at Belur. made out of a single marble rock, depicting 108 snakes’ Vrindavan has a number of The Islamic Jahar Peer heads. The Karani Mata temple restrictions: no non-vegetarian (Gogaji), and Hindu serpent at Deshnok Village, near food, smoking, drinking, entering like Manasa and Jory, , houses thousands of temples wearing or bearing are worshipped to prevent or rats. They have been considered shoes or any leather items. The cure snake-bites. Aranyani is the sacred for generations. ashrams serve saatvik food. goddess of forests and wildlife, In 1994, on religious grounds, Hanuman the monkey-god. The Shaakambhari Temples are so the historical Jain pilgrimage mouse is worshipped as Lord Ganesha’s vehicle, and the cow called because the goddess centre at Hastinapur, in Meerut is sacred to Krishna’s devotees. provides vegetarian food for District, was declared a her devotees. These temples vegetarian zone. There are places of worship are mainly found in Rajasthan, in every Indian city, town and Uttarakhand: No one is Karnataka, Maharashtra and village. It is impossible for allowed to consume non- Uttar Pradesh. BWC vegetarian items in Rishikesh, to check all of them, Tamil Nadu: Saivaism is Haridwar (Mayapuri) and Muni documenting those which have an ancient religion and the Ki Reti. The Chandi Devi disallowed meat consumption, community has always been Temple at Haridwar prohibits forbidden leather inside, or are vegetarian. Groups of Tamils non-vegetarian food, alcohol dedicated to particular animals. such as Aravor, Anthanar and and leather accessories on its If readers happen to know of Parpar are all pure vegetarians, premises. In 2004 the Supreme any other community or sacred and some Vellalas enjoy higher Court upheld a notifi cation issued place that upholds the principle community status by virtue of by the Rishikesh Municipal of ahinsa, we request that they being hereditary vegetarians. Board banning the sale of eggs, inform us. Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 9

● The blood of a non- There are many vegetarians who Blood from vegetarian would invariably for whatever reason – religious, and for have a higher uric level. ethical, health – would prefer blood transfusions exclusively ● Abnormal lipids are common vegetarians only from donors who are strict in the blood of non-vegetarians, vegetarians, like themselves. By Diana Ratnagar particularly higher levels of Many vegetarians would like cholesterol and tri-glycerides. ear, terror, bewilderment, their blood to go exclusively panic, anger and Dr. Jain therefore felt that, if to other vegetarians like F helplessness are vegetarian blood was marked themselves. experienced by animals facing as such, there would be more butchers who contemptuously demand for it. The implementation of this turn sheep to mutton, pigs to idea lies in the hands of every pork, cattle to beef Many vegetarians would like vegetarian blood donor and so on. These and donee. They need negative emotions, their blood to go exclusively to other to insist on giving present in the vegetarians like themselves. blood to vegetarians, animals’ fl esh in their and taking blood from Recently, our member Col. Beant last moments, get transferred vegetarians. Parmar, wrote Beauty Without to those who consume meat. Cruelty: Those who believe in promoting Therefore I equate accepting vegetarian blood, and are in a a blood transfusion from a I am a bit extremist in my position to infl uence events, non-vegetarian to consuming views. Human insensitivity should get as many blood animal-derived products. to other animals amazes collection centres as possible and enrages me. I don’t About 15 years ago, when a to mark the bottles collected know what class it puts blood transfusion was necessary, from vegetarian donors as such. me in, but I have begun I refused to accept it unless the These should be supplied only donor was a pure vegetarian. to consider vegetarians and to those who state their desire Fortunately Dr. Kalyan Gangwal non-vegetarians as separate for them explicitly. Blood banks – famous for promoting peoples though, on the and hospitals with vegetarian vegetarianism – was happy to surface, that may seem a trustees can insist on the oblige. casual difference. Actually it segregation of blood by origin. is a deep difference of heart, Subsequently, Beauty Without the reason why the fl esh- The same should apply to posthumous organ donations. Cruelty tried, unsuccessfully, eating classes cannot fathom My soul would be upset if my to get the Indian Red Cross the horrors they indulge in. Society and other blood banks cornea was used by a person to segregate blood originating So a seemingly cruel thought who looked at meat dishes with from vegetarians and non- came to my mind when a view to enjoying them. Years vegetarians. someone wanted me to register ago, someone from the Times for donating blood: why should Eye Research Foundation stated At the time Dr. D. C. Jain I show compassion to someone that the majority of Indian eye (Head, Department of involved in the cruel deaths of donors were (Jain) vegetarians, Neurology, Vardhman Mahavir innocent animals who, like me, though the majority of recipients Medical College, and Safdarjang want to live? were not. Hospital, and Addl. D.G. Health Services, Ministry of Health & I can give blood only to people Family Welfare, New Delhi) who do not eat animal fl esh. Diana Ratnagar is pointed out two facts in favour I cannot give blood to people chairperson and managing of vegetarians’ blood: who eat animals. trustee of BWC. 10 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

are doing it for survival, do the wrongfulness of eating FAQ minimum harm. How important human fl esh on the grounds can enjoyment be, compared of how much humans have to ishwa (Sanskrit for “the to survival? If my enjoyment is suffer when being killed. The whole world”) was an coming at the cost of someone cannibal might reply, “But we V exhibition/conference to else’s survival there is reason eat animals also, don’t we? support eco-friendly business for alarm. An Eskimo may So what is wrong with eating solutions held at the Ravindra argue, with validity, that he humans?” If eating plants Natya Mandir, , in cannot survive without meat justifi es eating animals, then 2009. Promoted by the Institute — but not a person living eating animals should justify for Studies in Vedic Sciences, where agricultural produce is eating humans. Are you ready Vishwa 2009 was a fi rst- available. to accept that? Isn’t it mindless ever endeavour to acknowledge to say that causing pain to efforts for a greener tomorrow. Q: If you don’t object to a being that is less sensitive Ranjit Konkar (RK) spoke at tigers killing zebras, why do to pain justifi es causing pain the conference, about animal you object to humans killing to one that is more sensitive rights questions frequently goats? to it? encountered by him. Three of them, the last in this series, were: RK: Because, my friend, there There are those who rebut is a difference between us and this argument saying plants Q: Where do you draw the tigers, which not only can’t and animals are equally line? At animals? Plants? digest anything but fl esh, but sensitive to pain. They say: Bacteria? Yeast? How about are also programmed by Nature “Just because you can’t see insects? to unthinkingly recognise it, how do you know the zebras as food. We are human plants’ pain isn’t as great as RK: If you can’t bear to see beings with a head start on the animals'?” Even assuming it, you shouldn’t be a party evolution — physical, mental, for the sake of argument to it. That is the criterion. and spiritual — and are not that the intensity of animals’ Don’t avoid seeing how your limited to measuring ourselves pain is less than that of stuff comes to you. Watch by the yardsticks of tigers or humans’ if one takes factors the killing of an animal. lions any more. We have bodies like emotions and spirituality Watch the chopping of a that can digest succulent plant into account, how would we plant. Watch the dying of a material like fruit best; we answer a cannibal who asked, bacterium under a microscope. have minds best sharpened by “How do you know that the Ask yourself, in the solitude eating almonds; and souls that animals’ pain isn’t as much of your conscience, which started becoming uncomfortable as humans'?” you can live with and which watching the suffering of other you cannot. And do as your animals at our hands a few Why not address the problem conscience dictates. Because thousand years ago. Do you deny that is clear to us rather than live we must — that is the that? My ideal of humanity is a wait for the jury’s verdict to be basic premise. To live, we decent human being like Buddha in on what is not as clear? must take life. That is another and in touch with his given. We cannot live on air conscience, not a tiger in touch and water and soil. The effort only with its hormones. should be to have the lives Dr. Ranjit Konkar is taken be as low as possible in Q: But we eat plants, don’t we? an associate senior their level of sentience. So what is wrong with eating faculty member at the animals? National Institute of Design Another rule of thumb: if as well as a BWC trustee. you are doing something for RK: Now imagine imploring enjoyment, do no harm. If you a cannibal to get him to see Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010 11

Around the world Doomed Manitoban bears Whale-hunting loophole Shocking decline in niversity of Alberta he annual International bird populations biologist Ian Stirling has U Whaling Commission (IWC) been studying polar bears 37 T meeting failed again, a few nvironmental damage has years. He says the western Ecaused a rapid decline in Hudson Bay population of months ago, to tackle rampant the number of North American polar bears, estimated at commercial whaling by Japan, songbirds. “ . . . in the next 100 935 in 2004, is expected to Iceland and Norway. Consensus years we are going to lose 10 decline over the next 30 eluded a compromise deal to 15 percent of the world’s years to a point where there that would have had the three birds in terms of species,” will not be enough bears countries regulate and reduce says Bridget Stutchbury, a York to sustain breeding. The their hunts. Despite a global University, Toronto, professor. increasing length of the ice- moratorium on commercial She warns that more bird free season on Hudson Bay whale hunts these countries species will be at risk unless will soon reach a point where continue hunting whales, large natural breeding grounds are protected exploiting a "scientifi c environmentally. whaling" clause in The common forest the IWC rules. This wood thrush has is the single greatest declined 40 percent threat to the world's in the last half- endangered whale century because of population. The blue habitat loss due to whale, the earth's urban sprawl and largest and longest- clear-cutting. This is lived mammal, had the United Nations’ been driven almost international year of to extinction before it biodiversity. Many began to be protected countries signed a in 1966. Its numbers 1992 treaty agreeing to cuts in the loss haven't recovered of species and signifi cantly, and ecosystems. They climate change poses are negotiating Emissions from telecom towers are causing infertility among the a further threat to the new targets, having Indian sparrow population. Photo courtesy: Vishwajeet Naik continued existence failed to meet the old ones. 20 to 30 percent of the of many whale Tropical forests that serve as polar bears in Manitoba, a species. The logical solution, migratory bird refuges every Canadian province, will die it is felt, is to implement a winter are being cleared to off annually, according to total ban on whaling, including make way for coffee plantations. a mathematical analysis by "scientifi c" whaling. Whaling is, Pesticide use is another problem Andrew Derocher, another at any rate, still not endorsed for the birds, who help forests University of Alberta biologist by the global community. Many by controlling the number who has studied the bears 28 believe that other factors — of insects and by spreading declining demand, rising costs, seeds. In India too the nesting, years. The construction of a roosting and feeding of birds rescue facility for orphaned, international pressure, direct have been adversely affected by injured or problem polar action — will bring an end to humans in many ways. As a bears at the Assiniboine Park whaling anyway. result the populations of birds Zoo commenced in Winnipeg, such as sparrows and vultures capital of Manitoba, last have declined dramatically. June. 12 Monsoon 2010 Beauty Without Cruelty

Readers write Vegan recipe FYI Scrambled tofu with Taamasik, raajasik, and spinach and mushrooms saatvik food (Serves 4) ased on the effect foods Bmay have on individual Ingredients: personality through chemical action on the brain, Hinduism 2 tablespoons olive oil classifi es foods in three groups: ¾ cup fresh sliced mushrooms taamasik, raajasik, and saatvik. 4 tomatoes 1 onion, fi nely chopped Foods which are dead, partly 2 cloves garlic, minced spoiled, processed, preserved 1 bunch spinach, rinsed and or stale are called taamasik. chopped Such foods create feelings of 500 grams fi rm tofu, heaviness, lethargy, irritability well pressed and crumbled and restlessness. Meat is also Milk of human unkindness! ½ teaspoon soy sauce taamasik when not fresh. Once 1 teaspoon lemon juice animal cells die, the process of he article “Fate worse Salt and pepper to taste. degeneration and decay begins. Tthan death for cows,” in the Summer issue, uncovered Some meats are, however, Preparation: raajasik in effect. Foods which cruelty most people choose are cooked a great deal to to ignore. Interestingly, the Sauté 2 chopped tomatoes, garlic, increase their taste-appeal, consumption of milk is said to onions and mushrooms which stimulate the nervous be almost non-existent among in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. system and speed metabolism the Korku tribes of Melghat, a Reduce heat and add spinach, up are raajasik. These foods remote region of Maharashtra. crumbled tofu, soy sauce and energise, but not in the sense They believe a mother’s milk lemon juice. of lending a clear, balanced is meant exclusively for her Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, energy. Raajasik foods tempt offspring, whether human or stirring occasionally. one to eat more, focusing the animal. Sprinkle with a dash of salt attention on savouring the foods, and pepper, garnishing with 2 while diverting it from internal Although I stopped consuming tomatoes before serving with signals. dairy products over 23 years toast. ago, for compassionate reasons, In contrast to the above two I found that it is also benefi cial categories, those foods which for one's health and for the are whole, fresh, natural, of environment. I have no calcium good quality yet mild, neither or protein defi ciencies, contrary over- nor under-cooked, are to what the dairy industry experienced as lending calm and even some doctors would alertness and quiet energy. like people to believe. I take Such foods are called saatvik Vitamin B12, but have not had and are said to nourish the to take any medicines during consciousness. Saatvik foods the last 22 years. At the age give psychological strength as of 76, I am able to cycle 50 contrasted to raajasik foods, which supply strength to the km or walk 20-25 km in a day muscles. Fresh fruits, vegetables without ill-effects. and wholesome grains are Surendra T. Shah saatvik. Beauty Without Cruelty Monsoon 2010

BWC News & Views Games ad agencies play Ban on peacock feather trade Beware: non-vegetarian eauty Without Cruelty member Gopi Shankar drew B n response to Beauty Without products wrongly marked our attention to Volkswagen's Cruelty new “Polo” car advertisements I ’s request, the Ministry in which buffaloes, rhinos and of Environment & Forests is other animals were being cruelly in the process of banning the nce again Beauty Without aggrevated. BWC wrote to the trade in peacock feathers. It OCruelty has taken up the company condemning such was brought to the ministry’s issue of imported packaged food advertisements and saying that attention that demand for the items marked with the green irrespective of where and when feathers outstripped their supply, vegetarian symbol although the they were fi lmed, and whether leading to rampant poaching of ingredients are non-vegetarian. shown on TV or in print, they peacocks. However, the Food & Drug were subject to provisions of Administration say they are not the Prevention of Cruelty to Currently, the Wildlife Protection empowered to take signifi cant Animals Act 1960 and, if the Act 1972 prohibits the killing action against importers. ads were not withdrawn, we of peacocks as well as export of tail feathers or articles A couple of examples: shrimp would be forced to complain made from them. But the Act is listed as an ingredient in the to the Advertising Council of allows domestic trade on the Namjai brand’s curry and soup India as well as urge potential assumption that the feathers are pastes, imported from Thailand, buyers to boycott the vehicles. shed naturally. and anchovies (small fi sh) in They responded saying, “We have taken your concern very Lea & Perrins’ Worcestershire Amendments to Sections 43(3) seriously and would request you Sauce. The importers, who have (a) and 44 of the Act will no affi xed the vegetarian symbol on to note that the campaign has been discontinued. We would longer exempt those possessing these non-vegetarian products, once again like to thank you a certifi cate of ownership for are primarily at fault. for bringing the matter to our peacocks from transferring or Certain foreign cheeses also notice.” selling their tail feathers, nor display the vegetarian symbol, articles or trophies made from placed there by importers, This is not the fi rst time them. Peacocks and their friends though they declare rennet as Volkswagen has upset animal will be relieved to know that a an ingredient without stating activists. In 2008 they pulled comprehensive ban on the sale, a commercial off British TV its animal origin. Sometimes transfer and trade of peacock screens after the Advertising the origins of ingredients are feathers will be imposed except Standards Authority received unknown and verbal circularity for religious use. is confusing, as in “cheese” over 500 complaints, and after a being listed as an ingredient Royal SPCA investigation. That in cheeses! The ingredient advertisement featured a dog Hinsa Ahinsa sitting in the passenger seat of vs. “cheese” could be made with a Volkswagen Polo, “singing” animal rennet. he printed version of the Spencer Davis Group song Hinsa vs. Ahinsa will The answer lies in being “I’m a Man” but shivering, T reach members just before the particular, reading labels trembling and cowering when carefully and checking outside the car – the dog’s Jain Paryushan which begins ingredients thoroughly, the stunt double had been placed on September 5. We hope more so if no veg or non-veg on a special motorized plate it will generate substantial symbol is on the packaged to create that effect on fi lm. fi nancial support to enable foods. When in doubt, it would Volkswagen’s advertising Beauty Without Cruelty to be wiser for vegetarians not to agencies seem to have a global expand its efforts to promote purchase such products — and penchant for playing games animal rights. inform BWC. involving animals. For Private Circulation. R.N. No. 35650/77. Nag Panchmi

Snakes are caught from the wilds and kept in small boxes, plastic jars, sacks, baskets or earthen pots. They are starved,

Alok Upadhyay and their fangs brutally pulled out. Their mouths are then stitched shut, sometimes with a space left for their tongues to come out. Photo courtesy:

Spectators are to believe that snakes dance to music, but this is not true because snakes don’t have ears. They

sway to the movements of the fl utes and A. Naukudkar Vithal spread their hoods to defend themselves. The haldi, kumkum and gulal put on the snakes inevitably enter their eyes,

blinding some of them because of their Photo courtesy: lead content.

Only mammals can produce and drink milk. Snakes, being reptiles, do not normally drink milk but, because they are kept without food and water for freewareindia.blogspot.com days, try to drink milk in an attempt to rehydrate. Photo courtesy:

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972

bans the display of wild animals, but this www.timescontent.com law is blatantly violated year after year.

Let’s celebrate this Nag Panchmi with snake idols or pictures instead! Photo courtesy: