FACES of the Himalayan Vegan Festival
What goes into making the biggest vegan event in the Himalayas happen By Adit i Pok ha rel More people are choosing veganism every day. The reasons behind this lifestyle shift can be different for different people. While some are doing it as a conscious choice of reducing their carbon footprints on the planet, others might have chosen it out of their love for animals. Whatever the reasons are, the end goal is the same, sharing this planet equally with all the creatures. To achieve this common goal, a group of people came together to organize the biggest ever vegan festival witnessed by the people of Nepal and Bhutan, The Himalayan Vegan Festival, set to happen in September 2022. But have you ever wondered what goes behind making such a big celebration of veganism happen? Several factors come into play to bring together hundreds of vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegans to one place to share the idea of love and compassion for all living. However, one major factor is the committed individuals from different age groups, professions, and religious and ethnic backgrounds organizing this big event. Despite coming from very different walks of life, they have united to make this six-day-long event the biggest, most exciting celebration of veganism. For over 18 years, Bishnu Prasad Neupane has been a passionate vegan, advocating for the benefits of a plant-based diet for people, animals, and the planet. He is President of Nepal Vegan Association, Vice-President of the World Vegan Organization (WVO), Nepal, and a social worker whose true passion lies in promoting various humanitarian projects in Nepal. These projects include compassionate living programs and associations
VEGWORLD
16
March/April 2022
