Being Vegan Is to Minimise Unnecessary Suffering.
The world observes “Vegan Month” in November. It begins with “World Vegan Day” on November 1st, which commemorates the founding of the Vegan Society in November 1944 and the coining of the term “vegan”. The word “vegan” was coined by combining the beginning and end of “vegetarian.” Veganism goes beyond vegetarianism by excluding all animal-derived products. Veganism can appear elitist, especially when framed around expensive products or celebrity lifestyles—but its core philosophy is rooted in compassion and sustainability. Many ancient philosophies recognise that all life is interconnected, and eating—even plants—should be done with gratitude and respect. When millions face hunger and food insecurity, conversations about Veganism can seem disconnected or even privileged. But when framed thoughtfully, Veganism intersects with hunger in ways that are both relevant and urgent. Veganism is not based on the idea that no life should ever be harmed—it is based on minimising unnecessary suffering.
Veganism is Not a Sacrifice. It is a Joy.
Gary L. Francione
The world observes “Vegan Month” in November. It begins with “World Vegan Day” on November 1st, which commemorates the founding of the Vegan Society in November 1944 and the coining of the term “vegan”. The word “vegan” was coined by combining the beginning and end of “vegetarian.” The observation is to promote the principles of Veganism—avoiding all animal products for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. While it originated in the UK in 1994, it has since gained international recognition and is celebrated globally. The observation focuses on promoting plant-based living and raising awareness about animal rights, sustainability, and health.
There are an estimated 1.5 billion vegetarians worldwide, with India accounting for the largest share. Vegetarianism varies widely by country, influenced by culture, religion, and health trends. Vegetarianism has several variations: Lacto-vegetarian (includes dairy), Ovo-vegetarian (consumes eggs, not dairy or meat), and some Pesco-vegetarian (includes fish, excludes other meats). In India, the majority of vegetarians come into the category of lacto-vegetarians. Veganism goes beyond vegetarianism by excluding all animal-derived products, including milk, honey, and animal-based materials.
Some See Veganism As Extreme,
and Others See It As Empowering
In many societies, animal products are central to tradition and identity. Choosing to avoid them entirely can seem radical. For many, Veganism is a profoundly positive choice rooted in empathy and justice. A well-planned vegan diet can support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Veganism continues to grow globally, and accounts for ~1-2%. An estimate puts the number of people in Western countries at ~20–25 million, with the highest percentages in Australia, Sweden, Germany, and the UK. In India, it is relatively low and is well under 1%,
Veganism can appear elitist when framed around expensive products or celebrity lifestyles—but its core philosophy is rooted in accessibility, compassion, and sustainability. Being vegan does not automatically mean spending more—it depends on your choices. Items like vegan cheese, plant-based meats, and dairy-free desserts often cost more because they are produced on smaller scales. Many vegan brands prioritise organic, fair-trade, or sustainable ingredients, which come at a premium. Fresh vegan meals and preservative-free products require frequent restocking, which adds to costs.
Do Plants Feel Pain?
Plants are living organisms, and consuming them involves altering or ending their life cycles. But the ethical frameworks behind Veganism and plant-based diets approach this issue with nuance. Biologically, plants lack a central nervous system, brain, or pain receptors—so they do not experience pain in the way animals do. However, plants do respond to stimuli: they can react to touch, light, gravity, and even injury through chemical signalling. Many Indigenous and Eastern philosophies recognise that all life is interconnected, and eating—even plants—should be done with gratitude and respect.
No diet is harm-free. But Veganism is a harm-reduction strategy, not a claim of moral perfection. It is about choosing the path that causes the least suffering and environmental damage, while still nourishing ourselves.
When millions face hunger and food insecurity, conversations about Veganism can seem disconnected or even privileged. But when framed thoughtfully, Veganism intersects with hunger in ways that are both relevant and urgent.
Veganism is not based on the idea that no life should ever be harmed—it is based on minimising unnecessary suffering.
Toon: Anusha
Log: M Sai Baba
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