2 minute read
Small Steps Big Change: The First Veg-N Society Online Conference
Asa Narinder, founder of Veg-N Society
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This notion is daunting for many, how can one person really help earth’s current state of emergency?
I am a plant-based recipe developer whose passion for a better world has led to the cultivation of The Veg-N Society.
The Veg-N society is a spiritually inclined non-profit organisation committed to encouraging plant-based diets and a conscious living, we are driven by the Namdhari Movement’s cultural assets and ideologies. Our launch conference was titled; Small Steps, Big Change, where we provided a basis for action to the shared global challenge of climate change by encouraging a plant-based diet. Whilst a plant-based diet is about abstaining from animal products entirely, not everyone is ready for that plunge and we believe that any steps taken towards this lifestyle is a step in the right direction.
Above: ‘Small Steps Big Change’ - Asa and the Veg-N Society’s first online conference event poster, which welcomed Namdhari Sikhs from all over the globe, including the spiritual head of the Namdhari Sikh Community, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji
Our conference was hailed a spectacular success where we were able to attract an international audience of over 150 people. A diverse group of attendees came together to learn and understand the necessity of reducing animal derived product consumption and wasted food to mitigate catastrophic climate change. Mr Kuldip Singh Ubhipresident of the Namdhari Sikh community in United Kingdom opened the conference by speaking about the evolution of vegetarian and vegan food with a special focus on agricultural water consumption. Marly Winkler- Chair of the International Vegetarian Union, successfully highlighted the dire need to review our diets from an environmental perspective. She gave an unfiltered insight into the current condition of livestock farming and global deforestation, a powerful presentation which educated many who were unaware of the connection between the dire effects of deforestation and animal derived products. Alex Bourke- owner of The Vegetarian Guides used his profound knowledge and latest publication to inspire everyone! His comprehensive presentation provided an accurate overview of veganism, which left a lasting effect on many.
We were in the most fortunate position to welcome the spiritual head of the Namdhari Sikh Community, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji (Sri Satguruji).
There are no words that I can use to express the light, wisdom and guidance Sri Satguruji bestowed on us, reiterating the fundamental principles of Sikhism which encouraged protection of life around us by a conscious living. To have had their presence to motivate and light the path for our journey was truly extraordinary. Sri Satguruji blessed us with a striking discourse on the inception of compassion from a Sikh’s holy scripture and spiritual perspective. Sri Satguruji said “My body is an abode of my creator, my lord. Who lives in this body and I do not want to make it a graveyard. I do not want to kill animals and make this heavenly abode of my lord a graveyard.”. Sri Satguruji, we seek continued blessings.
The optimistic response and positive feedback serve as tools of motivation and determination for us to continue implementing a positive change in the world.
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Screenshot of the conference, whilst the spiritual head of the Namdhari Sikh Community, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, speaks
