---
title: "Vegetarian - IVU - International Vegetarian Union"
description: "Vegetarian: evangelists from the Mumbai Mirror, October 10, 2006 Though some aim to convert by spreading awareness, others use more aggressive methods Manoj R Nair Last month, the 37th World Vegetarian Congress was held in Goa. The coastal state that offers a great seafood-based cuisine must be an"
url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3481-congress-2006-mumbaimirror.html"
date: "2026-11-06T00:02:49+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  Vegetarian

![Vegetarian](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/banners/congress-2006-mumbaimirror.png) | Vegetarian evangelists    from the Mumbai Mirror, October 10, 2006  Though some aim to convert by spreading awareness, others use more aggressive methods    Manoj R Nair  Last month, the 37th World Vegetarian Congress was held in Goa. The coastal state that offers a great seafood-based cuisine must be an unusual place to hold a meeting of vegetarians. But the organisers, the Vegetarian Society of Mumbai (VSM), explain that they have an active chapter in Goa.  Perhaps they chose Goa because the state, with its die-hard fish and meat eaters, offers plenty of future converts to vegetarianism. Or maybe, the organisers wanted to test the resoluteness of the delegates in the midst of such delectable seafood.  More than 300 delegates, half of them foreigners, attended the meet with 21 of them from China, sent by their government to find out whether vegetarian diets enhanced health.  The VSM was founded by the late prime minister Morarji Desai. At their meetings in Mumbai, these vegetarian evangelists actively seek converts to their way of life. The members, mostly Gujaratis or Jains, emphasise that vegetarianism is not just abstaining from food, the preparation of which involved violence and cruelty to animals. They also stress that a vegetarian diet is also environmentally-friendly because it uses less natural resources and thus leaves a smaller ecological footprint on the earth. For instance, they point out that one cow raised and slaughtered for meat could use water and grain that could have fed thousands of people.  In Mumbai, the group promotes their ideas by giving awards to restaurants for innovative vegetarian cooking.  But all proponents of vegetarianism do not follow such quiet methods. Last month, this newspaper reported that vegetarians in Juhu-Vile Parle had complained about cold counters stocking meat at a newly furbished super market. When the agitated vegetarians threatened to go about town protesting, the store meekly agreed to put opaque glass to hide the meat counters. The store even offered to shift the counters out of the store.  Some three years ago, vegetarian zealots forced a tandoori restaurant in Matru Ashish building on Napean Sea Road to close operations. Some time back, Vile-Parle residents had protested against the opening of a McDonald’s in their neighbourhood. In some parts of Mumbai, the fear of a backlash from the vegetarian lobby is so great that some hyper markets do not sell non-vegetarian food.  Last year, promoters of a new housing project in Khar said that only vegetarian Hindus from Gujarat would be allowed to buy the expensive flats. In fact, an international real estate agency estimates that one in 100 new buildings in South Mumbai is now strictly off bounds for non-vegetarians. In the suburbs, the proportion is one in 50 and growing.  Jashu Shah, general secretary of VSM, says that he does not approve of the aggressiveness of some vegetarian groups. He believes in slowly converting non-vegetarians to their vocation by love. “If I force my beliefs on someone, there would definitely be resistance. But if I make them understand the benefits of a vegetarian diet, they would perhaps agree with my point of view. When I visit restaurants, the guests on the next table could be eating non-vegetarian food. I have no problem with that,” he declares.  Another VSM member, Pankaj Shah, too feels it is a bad idea to have housing estates only for vegetarians. His reason: Cosmopolitan residential areas offer fertile grounds to seek would-be vegetarians. “What is the point of living in a building where everybody is vegetarian? I would prefer to live in a mixed neighbourhood where I can find people to change to my beliefs,” he says.  The group meets once a month at Samrat, a popular vegetarian restaurant at Churchgate. This year, they even invited the media to two meetings. However, not many journalists came. “Unlike in the West where the vegetarian habit is growing fast because the media promotes it, the press and television in India do not give it any importance. Media attendance is bad at our press conferences,” complains Jashu Shah. Perhaps they should shift the venue to a place that offers fish fingers or chicken drumsticks!  - [link to the original report in the Mumbai Mirror](http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=14&articleid=10920062117174061092006211524406)   >   [**Back to the 2006 Congress Index**](https://ivu.org/hv-congress-2006-congress-2006-index.html)  | A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly.  Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value.  - Hits: 590    ###  Vegan Recipes   - [![VEGAN VINEGAR OIL SALAD](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20252_f4511e3b8f839d0a0af70f5d428e00d6.jpg "VEGAN VINEGAR OIL SALAD")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-vinegar-oil-salad.html "VEGAN VINEGAR OIL SALAD")           ####  [VEGAN VINEGAR OIL SALAD](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-vinegar-oil-salad.html "VEGAN VINEGAR OIL SALAD")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) [salads](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/salads.html) - [![VEGAN GRILLED MUSHROOM SKEWERS](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th11%20127_1bbb09eebb8276920e45fcb858f23e6d.jpg "VEGAN GRILLED MUSHROOM SKEWERS")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-grilled-mushroom-skewers-2.html "VEGAN GRILLED MUSHROOM SKEWERS")           ####  [VEGAN GRILLED MUSHROOM SKEWERS](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-grilled-mushroom-skewers-2.html "VEGAN GRILLED MUSHROOM SKEWERS")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Fake Meats (Tofu etc)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) - [![VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%20323_a4caf64b229c4dd5b421de9d6aad9322.jpg "VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-rice-mixed-with-vegetables.html "VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES")           ####  [VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-rice-mixed-with-vegetables.html "VEGAN RICE MIXED WITH VEGETABLES")            [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Fake Meats (Tofu etc)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc.html) [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Rice](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/rice.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html)       ###  VFA Blog   - [![Vegan Sushi: A Healthy and Sustainable Delight that Combines the Best of Japanese Culture](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/chinese-dragon4_1a2020e2eda34947ca2b921b84285704.jpg "Vegan Sushi: A Healthy and Sustainable Delight that Combines the Best of Japanese Culture")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/vegan-sushi-a-healthy-and-sustainable-delight-that-combines-the-best-of-japanese-culture.html "Vegan Sushi: A Healthy and Sustainable Delight that Combines the Best of Japanese Culture")           ####  [Vegan Sushi: A Healthy and Sustainable Delight that Combines the Best of Japanese Culture](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/vegan-sushi-a-healthy-and-sustainable-delight-that-combines-the-best-of-japanese-culture.html "Vegan Sushi: A Healthy and Sustainable Delight that Combines the Best of Japanese Culture")                - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/vegan-sushi-a-healthy-and-sustainable-delight-that-combines-the-best-of-japanese-culture.html)       ###  Science   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html)     [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html)     [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html)     [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular            ###  History     [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg)    Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating")       [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg)    Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022   Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation")       [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg)    Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference                ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No  297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference")                                ###  Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)     [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular               7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html)     [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular               7319 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html)     [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular               6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html)     [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular               5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html)     [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular               5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html)     [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular               4558 downloads            ###  Nutrition   - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html)     [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular               603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html)     [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular               2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html)     [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular               3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html)     [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular               4052 downloads                                ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults  In 2 versions:  - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html)    [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html)         ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents  The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet    [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html)                 Vegan Nutrition            ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png)               ### Presidents, Chair and Council  - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - 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