World Vegan Day is annually observed across the globe on 1 November to spread awareness among people about the benefits of a vegan diet on health and well-being.
- The day aims to encourage and motivate people to avoid the utilisation of animal-based products and the killing of animals for selfish motives and to prevent the exploitation of animals.
- The day provides a global platform for vegans and vegan organizations to promote the positive ethical, environmental, and health impacts of the vegan diet.
Background:
i.In 1994, World Vegan Day was established by Louise Wallis, a vegan and animal rights activist and the then-chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom (UK)
ii.World Vegan Day celebration originated as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society, held on 1 November 1994.
- The Vegan Society was formed on 1 November 1944.
iii.The 1st World Vegan Day was observed on 1 November 1994.
Additional Info:
i.The term “vegan” was coined by Donald Watson, an English animal rights activist and Co-founder of the Vegan Society in 1994.
- The term vegan contains the first 3 and last 2 letters of ‘vegetarian’.
ii.The date November 1 was also chosen as it exactly falls between Halloween on October 31 and the Mexican Day of the Dead on November 2, the traditional times for feasting and celebration.
World Vegan Month – November:
i.World Vegan Month is annually celebrated during the month of November, commencing with World Vegan Day on November 1.
- World Vegan Month was established in 1994 to honour the vegan community and its impactful contributions to the world.
ii.November has become a significant month for vegans globally, dedicated to highlighting and promoting the values and principles of the vegan lifestyle.
What is Veganism?
i.Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle aiming to eliminate all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, promoting animal-free alternatives for food, clothing, and other purposes.
ii.Veganism extends beyond diet, encompassing the avoidance of all animal-derived products, including clothing and beauty items.
iii.Vegans choose to eat a plant-based diet, avoiding all animal products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. They also avoid products that contain animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin, casein, and whey.
A few Benefits of Going Vegan:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
- Lower the chances of getting certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.
- Manage diabetes by lowering A1C levels.
