'Sober and vegetarian but certainly not boring!’, Hindustan Times, 08.11.2016

'We are Sober, Vegan and yet not boring!’

Our society functions comfortably within the porous confines of various divides ranging from family beliefs, society beliefs and finally ones we choose and what we make out of them. Assortment happens based upon people’s religion, social status, qualification, professions, lifestyle, type of pets they own, brands they wear and of course on the ability to drink like a fish and guzzle down drinks! As a matter of fact, the type of drinks one orders, sadly define one’s social status.

12 years ago, in the spring of our lives, I and my better-half mutually decided to abstain ourselves from consumption of any non-vegetarian food products and alcohol, purely out of choice. More than saving ourselves of the harmful effects of such substances, this pledge, at that time, was taken to be ‘heroic or rebellious’ among the lot. Though, with time, we have been more thankful than regretful for this self-imposed commandment. Though, impulsive initially, this decision has saved us from lot of disgraces that consumption of non-vegetarian food may bring. Besides vouching for vegetarianism in its true spirit, we never let our taste buds down. You may find us hunting for natural, yet guilt-free ways of sourcing our bodily needs of calcium, proteins, vitamins and ECSTASY!

The path has been much easier than thought. Though, it often leads to isolation. A stereotypical social set-up, preoccupied with infinite rounds of hard drinks and spicy murg-tikkas, often acts cold and cavalier towards the ones craving for steamed corns with lemonade. We, however, with years of experience, have learnt how to be discreet guests or assertively decline invitations to parties and get-togethers which start with mushrooms snacks and end-up with rum-chocolate desserts and have alcohol as a centrepiece.

Labeled dull, old-fashioned, boring and simple, not many know the struggles of the vegan-spirited vegetarians. Often, explaining why we choose this way of life, drains a whole lot of energy. How would you feel about losing your breath every time you pass-by a food counter serving meat/chicken in all shapes and sizes? How do you prevent your facial muscles from twitching when the party host declares ‘Are bhai, Anda utna hi vegetarian hota hai jaise ki beer wine nahi hoti’. Retorting back with either ‘Fasting or dieting’ as an excuse, we elude from the party much before the ice-cubes in their glasses melt or aroma from the sizzlers evaporate. No matter we have been on the trips, where abstinence from a local delicacy (Wazawan in Kashmir, Fenny in Goa, prawns and seafood in Bangkok) meant enjoying the place a little less, still this has never dampened our spirit to stick to our ‘alcohol-cum-non-vegetarian celibacy’

On the contrary, such life also brings a shoulder full of responsibilities; be it handling cantankerous relatives on a family function, finance or investment related decisions or negotiations. People around us look forward to our say as a reasonable thought as a full stop to arguments and controversies. It comes with increased credibility, trustworthiness and idealism. This move has brought a stability, contemplation, self-realization and spiritual inclination in our lives. The fact that, our handling of life’s highs and lows, is and will never dependent upon the support of any external stimuli. In fact, our recently developed interest in art, architecture, culture, languages, travelling, blogging and theater fuels us adequately enough to speak our mind with equal courage, bluntness and honesty as a glass of red wine or fresh sea-food platter would! The best part? Like others, we don’t fear the skeletons hiding in our closets to be out on an inappropriate time or set-up!

How does it matter? What difference does it make? Try celebrating life’s every moment, appreciate little things, be grateful, embrace nature, help the one in need and still manage to wake with an ecstatic hangover sobriety offers.

Cheers!