Persistence Pays off: Georgia Tech offers Jain Food By Hruday Shah

Throughout my life, Jain diet has been an integral part of my identity and daily routine. My journey from a childhood steeped in the Jain tradition to my current pursuit of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech has been a remarkable one, made possible by my commitment to maintaining my dietary practices.

Growing up in a Jain household, I learned from a young age the importance of adhering to the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and mindfulness in my dietary choices. My family instilled in me the value of vegetarianism and abstaining from foods like onions, garlic, and potatoes. These restrictions, which some may perceive as limitations, have always been a source of strength and connection to my heritage.

As I approached the crucial decision of where to pursue my higher education, I dreamt of attending Georgia Tech, known for its excellence in Aerospace Engineering. However, while this was my dream university, I was keenly aware of the culinary challenges that awaited. I realized that I needed to find a way to reconcile my academic aspirations with my dietary requirements.

My determination led me to connect with the Georgia Tech Dining services. I reached out to a dietician and chef to educate them about my Jain diet and explore ways in which we could collaborate to offer Jainfriendly options within the constraints of a bustling college dining hall. Numerous emails, phone calls, and meetings later, we established a smooth process for accommodating Jain diets.

Over time, my persistent lobbying efforts bore fruit, as Georgia Tech decided to officially add Jain diet as an option on the housing and meal application. This change not only created awareness about Jain dietary choices but also led to a surge in the number of students opting for a Jain meal plan. Recognizing this growing demand, Georgia Tech initiated a Jain food station on campus, ensuring that students like me had access to Jain meals regularly. It was a major success for a major university to recognize the Jain diet and uphold it. My journey has taught me the significance of persistence in achieving cultural recognition. The Jain diet is not just a set of dietary restrictions; it is a means to feel closer to our religion, our heritage, and ourselves. By embracing our dietary traditions, we honor our ancestors and carry forward the values of non-violence and mindfulness. It is a way to bridge the gap between our past and present, ensuring that our cultural heritage remains an integral part of our lives.

My journey from childhood to adulthood has been defined by my commitment to my Jain diet. It has not only shaped my identity but also influenced my educational choices. By working closely with Georgia Tech Dining, I have helped create awareness and acceptance of Jain diets on campus. I hope my story inspires others to take pride in their dietary traditions, no matter how unique they may be, and encourage the further inclusion of diets in everyday life.

This journey would not have been possible without the support of the Georgia Tech Dining. They supported me and the Jain diet each step of the way, listening and learning from feedback and aiming to meet mine and others’ needs. It is important to advocate for what you stand for, and I am grateful that Georgia Tech made my mission possible..

Hruday Shah is a Junior student at Georgia Tech. He is a devout Jain and follows strict Jain restrictions. During Paryushan, Hruday shows his determination and respect by fasting with just boiled water. He has attended the Jain education and Gujarati language classes at Jain Center of New Jersey (JCNJ) since first grade. He has been continuously among the top students in the temple and has won numerous awards for ranking in the top three. He also has represented JCNJ nationally in the Jaina Academic Bowl.