Doodh

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Doodh" by Himmatlal S. Gandhi:

The book "Doodh" (Milk) by Himmatlal S. Gandhi, published by Prabuddh Jivan, argues that while milk is traditionally considered a complete food for all ages, the modern dairy industry practices have rendered it harmful and, in some cases, equivalent to non-vegetarian food from a Jain perspective.

The author highlights the following concerns regarding the production and consumption of milk:

• Animal Cruelty and Reduced Lifespan:

  • Dairy animals are subjected to artificial insemination every year, even while lactating, which damages their cells and leads to diseases like Ketosis.
  • Poor living conditions and hygiene cause Mastitis.
  • Improper feed leads to Rumenocidosis.
  • Animals are regularly administered antibiotics and hormones to maximize milk production, shortening their lifespan.
  • Once milk production declines, these animals are sent to slaughterhouses. It's stated that 80,000 calves from Mumbai alone go to slaughterhouses annually.

• Painful Milking Methods:

  • The "Fukhan" method, where a stick is inserted and rotated in the animal's uterus to increase milk yield, causes immense pain.

• Harmful Hormonal Injections:

  • Oxytocin injections are commonly given to cows and buffaloes twice daily to increase and speed up milk production.
  • This causes inflammation in the animals' uteruses and severe pain.
  • The book notes that these injections are widely available and used in dairies. A raid in Ahmedabad found 350,000 such injections.
  • These hormones in milk can disrupt hormonal balance in humans, weaken eyesight, cause miscarriages, and potentially lead to cancer.
  • Calves are often kept hungry.

• Machine Milking and Contamination:

  • Machine milking can result in blood being mixed with the milk.

• Adulteration and Unnatural Additives:

  • Leeches for Thickness: A shocking incident from Kerala is cited where leeches were found in milk cans. The leeches, when they die in diluted milk, release a viscous substance that thickens the milk, making it pass density tests. This practice is alleged to be common in major cities, implying that milk contains leech meat.
  • Urea: Urea (fertilizer) is added to prevent milk from spoiling during transit from collection centers to dairies. This is harmful to human health and can cause unconsciousness if in excess.
  • Synthetic Milk: Synthetic milk, made from urea, zinc oxide, whitening powder, lime, and other chemicals, is also sold and is physically damaging.
  • Pesticides and Heavy Metals: A 7-year ICMR study found high levels of DDT and the toxic pesticide HCH in milk, far exceeding permitted levels. Lead, arsenic, and cadmium were also found, which can cause kidney damage, heart disease, brain cell destruction, and cancer.

• Jain and Religious Implications:

  • Due to these practices and adulterations, figures like Maneka Gandhi, PETA, and the Vegan Society consider milk and dairy products to be non-vegetarian.
  • The author argues that if this milk, produced through such means, is consumed, it cannot be used in Jain temples for rituals like "Prashal" (anointing deities) or any other religious ceremonies in any faith.
  • Jain monks and nuns cannot accept or consume such milk, nor can followers of Lord Mahavir (Sravaks and Sravikas). In essence, any person who believes in non-violence (Ahimsa) cannot consume it.

• Alternatives to Dairy Milk:

  • The book suggests Soy milk as the best and cheapest alternative.
  • Milk can also be made from millets (like jowar) and other coarse grains.
  • Efforts have been made to produce milk from groundnuts, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, coconut, etc.
  • Soy milk is presented as a viable alternative that provides most of the nutrients found in cow's milk and is more affordable.

• Nutritional Comparison and Benefits of Soy Milk:

  • Soy milk is more digestible than cow's milk because it lacks lactose.
  • It contains prebiotic sugars that aid in waste removal.
  • It has very low saturated fat, thus reducing cholesterol and being beneficial for heart health. It also contains lecithin, essential for the heart.
  • Higher soluble fiber in soy milk reduces calcium loss from the body and aids kidney filtration.
  • Nutritional profiles are compared:
    • Protein: Soy milk (3.02-4.65%) is comparable to cow's milk (3.05%).
    • Fat: Soy milk (up to 3.10%) is sufficient for human nutrition, compared to cow's milk (4%).
    • Minerals: Cow's milk has 5% minerals, while soy milk has up to 0.5%.
    • Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamins A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Niacin are found in similar amounts in both.
    • Sugar: Soy milk's 2.1% sugar content makes it suitable for diabetics.

• Versatility of Soy Milk:

  • Soy milk can be used to make yogurt, butter, and buttermilk.
  • Paneer can be made by adding lemon juice, and sweets can be prepared from it. Milk powder can also be produced.

• Cost and Homemade Soy Milk:

  • Soy milk is cost-effective. The milk sold at railway stations is often soy milk.
  • It can be made at home for as little as ₹10-12 per liter. Adding camphor and cardamom can improve its taste and mask any undesirable odor.

• Conclusion and Recommendation:

  • The author strongly recommends switching from market milk, which is harmful to health and potentially non-vegetarian, to soy milk.
  • Soy milk is also advocated for use in Jain temples, religious ceremonies, and rituals.

In essence, the book is a critical examination of the dairy industry, exposing its cruel practices and adulteration, and advocating for plant-based alternatives like soy milk, aligning with Jain principles of non-violence and health.