By Li-Xuan Lin, Hsiu-Lien Chu, Hui-Lee Cheok, May Wang | India 

The Power of Vegetarianism in India 

India, with its rich tradition of vegetarianism rooted in religion and history, is home to over 400 million vegetarians. In many regions, vegetarianism is not only about personal health but also a symbol of status. However, in a small village in the Gaya district, a remarkable shift is underway, as young girls bravely advocate for vegetarianism, aiming to inspire a wider cultural change. 

A Principal’s Dream: A School Embraces Vegetarianism 

At Suryapura Middle School, a small school in Suryapura Village, the principal, Bajnath Kumar, a devoted vegetarian, had long dreamed of his entire school embracing vegetarianism. His hopes found a natural ally in the Tzu Chi Foundation, whose volunteers visited the school in late July to conduct lessons on compassion, animal protection, and the benefits of plant-based diets. The school responded with enthusiasm, culminating in a vegetarian cooking competition on July 27 that left students inspired not only by the delicious food but also by the message that eating vegetarian can be both healthy and compassionate. 

Understanding Animal Suffering Through Experiential Learning 

In July, during a class led by teacher Rozi Parween, students were guided through an experiential activity to help them understand the suffering of animals raised for meat. Crammed into a small mosquito net, the students soon realized how uncomfortable it was to be confined. A dark cloth was draped over them, mimicking the conditions animals endure in captivity. What began as a fun exercise quickly turned into a profound experience as the students grasped the reality of animals' lives in crowded, inhumane conditions. Moved by this activity, many students decided to embrace vegetarianism as an expression of their compassion for animals. 

Students Speak Out: Health and Compassion in Action 

For some students, the choice to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle came with personal testimony. Seventh-grader Radhika Kumari shared her experience of being vegetarian for two years, proudly stating that she hadn’t fallen ill during that time. She felt more energetic and less tired, attributing her improved health to her plant-based diet. Radhika's love for animals, particularly ducks, reinforced her belief that animals deserve the same respect and care as humans. "Animals have families, just like we do," she said. "We should treat them with love and kindness." 

Eighth-grader Priya Kumari also found inspiration through her classroom experiences. She vividly recalled how the activity helped her understand the pain and suffering animals endure. "When I stepped into that cage, I felt discomfort and had difficulty breathing. I realized that animals feel the same pain." Her empathy deepened, and she made a firm vow to remain vegetarian while working to convince her family and friends to do the same. 

Even fourth-grader Pinky Kumari, after realizing the importance of animals in the ecosystem, stood up to her family’s meat-based meals. She refused to eat the chicken her mother prepared one evening, choosing instead to go to bed hungry. "I couldn't eat it because it felt like I was eating someone else's flesh," she confided. Her determination sparked a conversation in her household, eventually influencing her family to join her in adopting a vegetarian diet. 

Taking the Message to the Streets 

On August 3, after school, the young girls from Suryapura Middle School took their newfound mission beyond the classroom and into the village. Accompanied by their teachers and Tzu Chi volunteers like Hui-Lee Cheok, they set out to go door-to-door to promote vegetarianism. With conviction and courage, the girls approached their neighbors, explaining the ethical and health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Radhika bravely confronted villagers with a simple truth: "When you kill animals, they feel pain. Their families cry, just like ours would if someone killed us." 

Though some villagers were strangers to the girls, they remained undeterred, speaking with humility and a sense of sacred duty. The response was overwhelming. Even a local shopkeeper, Aditya, expressed his agreement with the girls’ message, saying, "Everyone should eat vegetarian to avoid diseases. A plant-based diet keeps the body healthy." 

Compassion Inspires More Compassion 

The girls’ efforts soon attracted the attention of older students, who joined in on September 1 to continue the mission. Armed with posters and accompanied by the Tzu Ching collegiate volunteers, the students divided into two groups, canvassing the village with the message of kindness toward animals and the earth. Even a sudden downpour could not dampen their spirits. These determined "blue sprites" in their school uniforms persisted, convincing 38 villagers to pledge to adopt or slowly transition toward a vegetarian lifestyle. 

The movement spread quickly as more villagers signed their names in the students' notebooks, offering support and encouragement. These young advocates are proof that even in a world divided by tradition and status, change is possible when compassion leads the way. 

A Vision for a Better Future 

The courageous efforts of the students of Suryapura Middle School are an inspiring testament to the power of youth and the strength of compassion. As more villagers join the cause, the message is clear: adopting a vegetarian lifestyle can help reduce suffering and combat climate change. These young girls, with their simple yet profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, are planting seeds of change that have the potential to grow into a future of kindness, health, and harmony for all.