Bangalore: The bird flu apart, there are people who shun meat in all its forms because of strong personal convictions.

A large group of them have joined together under the banner DIYA (Do It Yourself Activists) to form the Bangalore chapter of Meatout.

The aim: to persuade people to opt for a vegetarian diet. Not necessarily for religious reasons but because it is non-violent and perhaps, healthier.

On Sunday, Meatout distributed leaflet among shoppers at a mall in the city and tried to persuade them to join the campaign.

Among the reasons for a vegetarian diet are that it is easier on the system. Kicking the meat-eating habit will significantly reduce the risk for the top killers: heart disease, stroke and cancer.

It also reduces the chances of your taking in, along with meat, deadly pathogens.

Another reason sounds a bit far fetched but may appeal to many. It will help preserve topsoil, water and other food production systems. Cattle and sheep rearing apparently reduced the land available for cultivating crops.

Without so many cattle to be fed, huge quantities of grains and soybeans will be available to feed the world's hungry millions.

Kicking the meat-eating habit will help preserve forests, grasslands and other wildlife habitats and may also reduce pollution of air and waterways by soil particles, debris, manure and pesticides.

More important, many cows, sheep, poultry and pigs will be spared of cruel caging, crowding, deprivation, drugging, mutilation, manhandling and slaughter, Meatout activists say.

Meatout is an international movement helping people evolve to a wholesome, non-violent diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It says a plant-based diet is "joyful" and helps promote a wider variety of alternatives in mainstream grocery stores, restaurants and among catering operators.

The American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the John Hopkins University supported the movement and launched their own campaigns. Every Monday, Meatout activists will go around asking people to sign a pledge for meatless eating.

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