The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : ``Vegetarianism ideal for humans''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jan 13, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

``Vegetarianism ideal for humans''

Staff Reporter

Governor inaugurated exhibition

SNACKER'S DELIGHT: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala at the `mega vegetarian food expo 2007' organised by the Indian Vegetarian Congress in Chennai on Friday. — PHOTO: V. GANESAN

CHENNAI : Scientifically vegetarianism is the most suitable diet for human beings, said Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who inaugurated a seminar and two-day exhibition of the Indian Vegetarian Congress.

At a time when traditional vegetarians were turning to meat in India, in the West more people adopted vegetarianism not only out of humanitarian consideration but also on medical grounds, he said. Coronary heart diseases, previously seen only among the elderly, were now commonly found in the young who led stressful lives.

Mr. Barnala explained the changes in the heart. "The most important biochemical abnormality which can be correlated with heart disease is the level of blood cholesterol. Intake of cholesterol is much less in vegetarians as compared to meat eaters. Clotting of a blood vessel depends on the blood fluidity ."

Over populated countries such as China and India managed to feed their "hungry hundreds of millions only because of a largely vegetarian diet," said Mr. Barnala who turned a strict vegetarian in 1974. Animal Rights activist and MP, Maneka Gandhi, urged the Congress to be more active by going to schools, banks and public organisations and roping in the children and employees there. The Indian Vegetarian Congress was founded by Rukmani Devi Arundale in 1959 and is headquartered in Chennai.

Tarachand Dugar, president, Indian Vegetarian Congress, also spoke.

Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy said vegetarian food had to be accompanied by yoga, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and avoidance of alcohol and drugs. "Our seers recognised that vegetarianism is natural for humans and recommended it for mental equilibrium and meditation'', he said.

The vegetarian exposition is being held at Raja Muthiah Hall in Egmore.

Sri Krishna Sweets has displayed over 1,000 varieties of sweets and snacks made of milk, ghee, cashew and almonds. The shop offers a discount of 10 per cent for Pongal on purchase of sweets.

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