We Vegeterian People

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "We Vegetarian People" by Atul Doshi, based on the provided pages:

The book "We Vegetarian People" by Atul Doshi challenges the common understanding of vegetarianism in India by critically examining the dairy industry and its interconnectedness with the meat and leather industries. It argues that while India has a strong tradition of vegetarianism, the modern practices of dairy farming have become deeply intertwined with animal cruelty, environmental degradation, and health concerns, thus questioning whether contemporary "vegetarians" are truly practicing compassion for all living beings.

Key Arguments and Themes:

• The Illusion of "Pious" Milk: The book begins by acknowledging the traditional reverence for milk in Indian culture, associating it with motherhood and purity. However, it immediately contrasts this with the harsh realities of modern commercial dairy farming, where cows are treated as milk-producing machines rather than living beings.

• The "White Revolution" and its Dark Side: The author highlights the "White Revolution" as a period of significant increase in milk production, celebrated as an economic achievement. However, he argues that this came at a tremendous cost to animals. The book details a stark comparison between past practices and present-day reality:

  • Past: Animals were part of the family, named, grazed freely, and their growth was natural. Milk was extracted manually, and calves had the first right to milk. Dung was used as fertilizer. Animals lived a full life cycle.
  • Present: Animals are identified by numbers, subjected to painful branding, undergo forced and frequent artificial insemination, are confined, drugged (like with Oxytocin) to increase milk production, milked by machines that cannot feel pain, and calves are separated from mothers at birth. Their lifespan is dictated by profit, with old or less productive animals sent to slaughterhouses.

• The Milk-Meat-Leather Nexus: A central argument is the inseparable link between the milk, meat, and leather industries. The book provides data showing a simultaneous high growth rate in milk, meat production, and leather exports following the White Revolution. It asserts that the demand for milk fuels the breeding of animals, which are then slaughtered for meat and leather once their milk production declines. The meat industry, in particular, flourishes with the support of the dairy industry.

• Leather: More Than a By-product: The text emphasizes that leather is no longer merely a by-product of the meat industry but a primary driver for breeding animals. High export targets for the leather industry necessitate a massive increase in the number of animals, further supported by the dairy sector.

• Critique of Dairy Industry Practices:

  • Cruelty and Drugs: The book details the use of Oxytocin injections to artificially increase milk yield, causing pain and suffering to the animals. It also mentions practices like "phukan," where a stick is inserted into the cow's uterus.
  • Calf Separation: The practice of separating calves from their mothers immediately after birth to maximize milk for human consumption is highlighted as a significant source of trauma for both.
  • Health Concerns: The book raises serious concerns about the health quality of modern milk. It discusses the presence of pus, antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, and even dangerous adulterants (urea, caustic soda, detergents, etc.) due to commercial pressures. It also notes that a significant portion of the Indian population is lactose intolerant.
  • Antibiotic Resistance: The widespread use of antibiotics in animal feed to manage the harsh conditions and promote growth poses a risk of antibiotic resistance in humans through the food chain.

• Environmental Impact: The book links the breeding of millions of animals to environmental concerns, including land usage, water consumption, and the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. It also points to pollution caused by industries like leather tanning.

• Questioning "Vegetarianism": The author poses the question: "We, Vegetarian (?) people... are we truly Vegetarian?" He argues that if milk and other dairy products are produced through animal cruelty and contribute to the suffering and death of animals, then consuming them contradicts the principle of ahimsa (non-violence), which is central to Jainism and vegetarianism.

• The Call for Veganism: The book advocates for a shift towards veganism as the true path of ahimsa. It presents veganism as a stricter form of vegetarianism that excludes all animal-derived products, including milk, dairy, and even honey, silk, and wool. It highlights the growing popularity of veganism worldwide and its benefits for health, the environment, and animal welfare.

• Practical Steps for Change:

  • Reduce Milk Consumption: The author suggests reducing milk consumption, especially for adults, and potentially reserving it only for children to ensure better quality milk.
  • Embrace Dairy-Free Alternatives: The book encourages the use of plant-based milk (soy, almond, coconut) and dairy alternatives (tofu, soy cheese).
  • "Milk Less Monday": A campaign like "Meatless Monday" is proposed, suggesting a "Milk Less Monday" to reduce overall milk consumption.
  • Cruelty-Free Products: Consumers are urged to choose cruelty-free products in cosmetics, soaps, and other daily necessities.
  • Ethical Investment: Investors are advised to analyze companies and invest ethically, avoiding businesses that harm animals.
  • Education and Advocacy: The book calls for educating others about the health and environmental impacts of animal products and advocating for better animal protection laws and their enforcement.

• Addressing Excuses: The book anticipates common excuses for continuing current habits (e.g., tradition, economic dependence, the perceived insignificance of individual action) and provides counter-arguments, emphasizing the need for change in response to growing awareness and the principles of minimal harm.

Conclusion:

"We Vegetarian People" is a compelling call to action for individuals to critically re-examine their dietary and lifestyle choices. It asserts that true vegetarianism, rooted in the Jain principle of ahimsa, extends beyond abstaining from meat to encompassing the rejection of all products derived from animal exploitation. The book urges readers to move from being merely "vegetarian" to becoming "vegan" by understanding the "vicious circle" of animal product consumption and actively breaking it through conscious choices, ultimately aiming for peace and well-being for all living beings.