Vegans of India: Atul Sarin

Atul Sarin is the founder of WAG (Welfare for Animals in Goa).

While on holiday in Goa in 2000 he witnessed the suffering endured by the stray ahimals which affected him deeply.

I was born in Kenya, and then moved to the UK when I was 13 years old. I lived there for 30 years & then decided to move to Goa. I was always a Vegetarian, but became Vegan, when I started rescuing abused Dairy Cows & Calves. Also rescuing battery chickens very soon put me off eggs! The situation in Goa for the animals is quite depressing, there is a huge Fish-eating culture, and a demand for pork & beef from some communities.

Surprisingly there is a good Vegan scene in Goa with many restaurants opening. But still a lot of work needs to be done.

I don’t think the Party Goers or hippies have much influence on Veganism in Goa, if anything the huge vegetarian culture in India, influenced many of them to go Vegetarian.

I have hosted many “vegan awareness workshops” with the Vegan Society of Goa. We also hold Vegan Potluck Lunches with the Vegans in Goa, where non-Vegans are invited too. These have been a huge success.

At my Charity Welfare for Animals in Goa: WAG, we rescue over 500 Cows, and some Goats, Pigs & Chickens too. At our Cow Sanctuary, we never milk the Cows, and let the orphaned calves drink from mums who have lost their babies. It’s quite beautiful to see.

we never milk the Cows, and let the orphaned calves drink from mums who have lost their babies. It’s quite beautiful to see.

I think education is the driving force for Veganism in India currently. India has the highest population of vegetarians in the world, but there is a huge ‘milk culture’. I believe many Indians would turn Vegan if they knew about the horrors of Dairy.

There is a good Animal Justice System in India, but as with other issues, many are never implemented due to corruption from local bodies.

Sadly we receive no funds from the Government, so rely on the donations of kind people.

I eat a lot of Dal, Rice Chapatti & Sabzi (dry vegetable curry). This is a staple-diet in India, and is Vegan too! I also like ‘mock meats’ & love cooking too.

The biggest barriers I see for the growth of Veganism in Goa/India, is the Milk Culture. Also, many Indians are influenced by Western Culture, which has a huge meat-eating tradition.

I would advise upcoming Vegans /activists, to try & influence people in a diplomatic manner. In my experience, very few people turn Vegan if you simply tell them to.

Surprisingly, not many Animal Rescue Charities promote Veganism. At WAG we do. We have also made many informative videos. Sadly we receive no funds from the Government, so rely on the donations of kind people.