Lauding Heather Mills’ vegan café, Hindus ask celebrities to promote vegetarianism

Hindus have applauded Heather Mills, model and Beatle Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, for launching a vegan café in United Kingdom.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that more world celebrities should come forward to promote vegetarianism and persuade their fans to go vegetarian, thus contributing to a healthier world. Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it was good for ethical and health reasons also.
Mills’ café Vbites, which opened on July four in Hove Lagoon (East Sussex, United Kingdom), offers a menu of unique meatless meats (Turkey, Ham, Chicken, Pepperoni, Sausage) like ‘Chicken’ Style Nut Korma with Basmati Rice, ‘ham’ sandwich, Chiky Burger, and vegan treats from world over (including Sag Paneer, Curried Lentil Salad, vegan feta cheese). Milk choices include soya, rice, almond, hazelnut, oat, and quinoa. Children’s menu has ‘Fishy Fingers’, ‘Chiky Nuggets’, and ‘Buddy Burger”. Its products are mainly organic and it uses ‘secret seasonings’.

Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, pointed out that Hinduism promoted strict vegetarianism insisting on ahimsa (not harming living creatures) and non-killing, and renouncing animal slaughter and meat eating. It suggested taking of sattvik (vegetables, fruits, etc.) and avoiding rajasik (eggs, etc.) and tamasik (meat, intoxicants, etc.) foods.

Rajan Zed argued that there was extensive protection of life in Hinduism and ahimsa was a command. All the major religions of the world were opposed to killing, he added. According to reports, meat is responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than transport’s 13 per cent.

McCartney recently launched Meat-Free Monday movement.

Forty-one years old Heather is also an activist, charity campaigner, United Nations Association Goodwill Ambassador, and passionately vegan. Her campaign for the welfare of animals is claimed to save over two million animals annually.