Regional Report - Asia
from IVU News Oct 2000

by Jashu Shah, IVU regional rep. Asia.

We can report that the Asian Vegetarian Union came into existence during the World Vegetarian Congress held at Bangkok. There was great enthusiasm initially but slowly diminished on passing of the time.

The Constitution was drafted, negotiated and finalized and ultimately it was signed and the office bearers were chosen. I have been chosen as the First President of the Asian Vegetarian Union, the Vice President is Dr. Maitree from Thailand, Dr. Phichai is the General Secretary. The Committee has suggested to appoint Dr. Sungho Park as Secretary and Mr.Kin as the Treasurer.

The activities will start after October when there is going to be a big feast of Vegetarian food at Bangkok. The First Asian Vegetarian Congress will he held in October 2001 and the preparations are ahead.

Unfortunately, there is very little interaction between the Societies except exchange of newsletters.

The Indian Vegetarian Congress is publishing their magazine every three months and sends a copy to me regularly. The Eastern Region of the Indian Vegetarian Congress is publishing a newsletter by Dr. Bagra who is the editor and is doing a good job but without much interaction only. We know about the activities through the newsletter.

Shri L. N. Modi from Delhi is also very active and carrying on the cause. There is lot of interaction with Mr. Modi and information is coming in regularly.

Indian Vegetarian Society

On 11th, 12th, l3th June l999,a seminar was held on Fitness, Food & Health at Kaivalyadham, Lonavia. Lonavla is about 100 kms off from Bombay amongst the Hills of Western Ghat. The seminar was held in the natural surroundings. There were more than 75 delegates who participated in the seminar. The seminar was a success as far as the faculty were concerned.

In the month of August, we had a musical night for raising funds. The singer was Sanjeevani and she sang melodious and spiritual songs. About 700 people attended the musical program. She is considered to be the next Lata Mangeshkar of India. We collected about Rs.50,000/- as and by way of over flow after paying ex-penses.

In November, we had an award function for the best International vegetarian of the year. It was awarded to Dr. Phichai of Bangkok. The best National vegetarian of the year was awarded to Shri Ratanlal Bafna from Jalgaon for his outstanding contribu-tion towards the cause of vegetarian-ism in the rural areas of Maharashtra. The best Vegetarian Restaurant was awarded to Samrat Restaurant.

This year one more feather has been added. The Society has started publishing a newsletter. The first newsletter has already been sent to members of IVU, AVU, EVU and some of them have already sent us letters of appreciation.

An essay competition was organized on the topic "Vegetarianism & the Environment." There was a very good response. More than 140 entries were received and the prizes were distributed at a special function. The Vegetarian Society meets every 2nd Thursday of the month and holds lectures delivered by eminent speakers where about 60 to 70 people meet. After hearing the speakers a vegetarian dinner is served.

Jashu Shah
Secretary - Vegetarian Society