Ahimsa: Supreme Duty and Service

Vedas tell us that ahimsa—nonviolence, nonhurtfulness—is a primary obligation in fulfillment of dharma (righteous duty). A lack of compassion toward any living being, whether human or animal, hinders our ability to truly practice ahimsa and uphold dharma. By embracing compassion and treating all beings, even animals, with love and kindness, we not only align ourselves with ahimsa and dharma but also create positive karmic consequences that contribute to our personal growth and well-being.

 

Hindu upbringing instilled in me the value of ahimsa—love and respect for all living beings, which continues to shape my choices and way of life. I was raised vegetarian, and after learning about the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in which animals are raised in dairy farms, became vegan in October of 2020.

Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP)

  • Participated in tabling and movie screening events at The University of Chicago to raise awareness about animal cruelty in factory farms and focusing on health benefits of plant-based eating.

  • Reviewed research articles to identify potential savings from evidence-based plant-based eating and lifestyle interventions, while also analyzing the economic impact of chronic diseases on patients and the broader US healthcare system.

  •  Studied the economic analysis of animal farming versus plant-based agriculture, emphasizing its role in reducing healthcare costs and promoting long-term economic benefits.

  • Researched the environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption and adopting whole foods plant based diets.

Connection with Dr. Faraz Harsini and his non-profit organization, Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP) has been incredibly inspiring. Highly impressed by ASAP’s impactful animal advocacy efforts and its mission, which include extensive outreach, collaborating with dining halls to introduce plant-based foods, hosting educational talks and events at numerous universities, I decided to volunteer my time for ASAP in the summer of 2023, and continue to contribute whenever possible.

Change The Plate

  • Provided handouts on

    • health benefits of plant-based eating

    • adverse effects of animal agriculture on our environment

    • economic analysis of animal farming vs plants

  • Shared videos on animal brutality in factory farms

  • Gathered over 150 signatures to advocate for the inclusion of plant-based food options in the school cafeteria.

  • Offered plant-based food substitutes to try

To raise awareness about the cruelty of animal farming and highlight the health benefits of a plant-based diet, I set up a booth called ‘Change the Plate’ at the school fair, Rites of May, 2022-23.

Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) Convention 2025

  • Provided literature on -

    • ahimsa is our highest duty, and practicing veganism is a true expression of ahimsa

    • inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms

    • the environmental impact of animal agriculture

    • health benefits of plant-based foods

  • Gave a talk on ahimsa, emphasizing that it extends beyond humans—it means refraining from causing harm to any living being.

I volunteered with ASAP to host a booth at JAINA, highlighting core Hindu and Jain values such as ahimsa (non-violence), kindness, and compassion—raising awareness about the importance of aligning our values with our actions, especially in recognizing the cruelty involved in animal farming. Through this effort, we encouraged empathy for animals and promoted plant-based foods as a compassionate and conscious choice.

Youth Jains of America (YJA) Convention 2025

  • Provided literature on

    • ahimsa is our highest duty, and practicing veganism is a true expression of ahimsa.

    • inhumane treatment of animals in factory farms

    • the environmental impact of animal agriculture

    • health benefits of plant-based foods

  • Gave a talk on ahimsa, emphasizing that it extends beyond humans—it means refraining from causing harm to any living being.

I volunteered with ASAP to host a booth at JAINA, highlighting core Hindu and Jain values such as ahimsa (non-violence), kindness, and compassion—raising awareness about the importance of aligning our values with our actions, especially in recognizing the cruelty involved in animal farming. Through this effort, we encouraged empathy for animals and promoted plant-based food choices as a compassionate and conscious choice.