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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 12 :
 

Animal activist Menaka Gandhi, president of Indian Vegetarian Congress Tarachand Dugar and Governor Surjit Singh Barnala at a function in Chennai today.

        Indian Vegetarian Congress (IVC) has become an isolated movement restricted to a particular community and the movement is more like stationery- peddling, according to former Union Minister and social activist Maneka Gandhi

        She was addressing the inaugural function of the mega Vegetarian Food Expo 2007 organised here today by the Indian Vegetarian Congress as part of its golden jubilee celebrations.

        Maneka urged the Vegetarian Congress to take forward vegetarianism to the public. She further suggested that it make alliances with other social activists group and approach the court to address the issue of illegal slaughter houses, which is increasing by the day. She said that in fast-changing Chennai, where most vegetarians were said to be residing, curbs should be in place to stop the mushrooming of animal slaughter houses

        The animal welfare activist called forth IVC to disemminate the significance of being vegetarian among masses and explain it in innovative ways by approaching city schools and ask them to avoid leather shoes. By encouraging organic farming among the farmers instead of poultry and aqua culture. She also suggested engaging celebrities as icons of vegetarianism and promote vegetarianism.

        Commenting on the initiative of IVC's exclusive lab for vegetarian food, she said, 'the lab is a waste of money instead the IVC could contribute to animal development by contributing money for the welfare of the extinct birds and animals like vultures, tigers etc' she added.