I turned vegan in 2010, when PETA videos exposed me to animal cruelty. Further discussions with some vegans opened my eyes. Now, not only have I discovered delicious vegan food all over the world but also bonded deeply with like-minded people with plant-based diets and big hearts. I also feel at peace with myself. My health and mind are better for it, thanks to eating and living vegan for over a decade. I feel fitter and happier knowing that I'm not torturing and killing helpless animals and the Earth (literally).
My family was initially concerned about my vegan diet as the dairy industry has brainwashed them into thinking that dairy is good for us. Over time, they understood that I would never consume milk. So, they adjusted and offered me alternatives. Even after a decade, they are still not convinced, and that shows how strong conditioning is.
Milk is considered medicine in India, and, unfortunately, they sometimes make kids drink it three times a day. But, it's encouraging that dairy is dying outside India, as people are waking up to the fact that cows make milk not because they are cows but because they are mothers. Just like any other animal that produces milk, it's meant just for its babies. It's unnatural for another species to consume the hormones and chemicals from mammary secessions. It is no wonder that India is the world's diabetes capital.
But, I'm hopeful that a new generation in India will be inspired and ditch dairy. Companies like Goodmylk are making delicious plant-based alternatives accessible. Major foreign brands like Oatly have also entered India.
Thankfully, many of my friends support my veganism and make an effort to make kinder and smarter choices while buying food and materials. Documentaries like Game Changers and What the Health have shown people the benefits of a plant-based diet not just for animals but also for their health and the environment. However, convenience and price parity is essential and will happen in due time. So, it's a matter of when not if. We've seen vegan options crop up on menu cards and grocery aisles. It's just a matter of time till they dominate the market.
Having invested in vegan companies for a few years now, I can say that it is an exciting time for the movement. There are several tailwinds for plant-based companies, and smart entrepreneurs have the opportunity to make a huge impact while creating wealth. This is not only applicable to food and drinks but also to materials and cosmetics. Several incubators and funds are investing exclusively to remove animals from the food and materials ecosystem.
I love that veganism is growing worldwide, so I can enjoy amazing vegan food, but sad that so many people are brainwashed, speciesist, and don't appreciate vegan activism. Go vegan for the animals, your health and the planet, it's easier than ever, and you will love yourself and the world by living cruelty-free. Download Happy Cow, follow LiveKindly on social media and watch Cowspiracy, Seaspiracy, GameChangers and What The Health on Netflix.
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Siddharth is the Chief Investment Strategist at the Om Kothari Group. He has invested in and scaled multiple businesses. Vegan since 2010, Siddharth has a particular interest in plant-based companies. He is an LP at Good Startup - a cross border VC firm focussed on driving innovation and growth to remove animals from the food and materials ecosystem. He also enjoys poker, sports, books and movies. He has been vegan for around 11 years.