Bengaluru: In the wake of India’s historic South Pole moon landing, a remarkable accomplishment that has captivated global attention, a profound ethical gesture has shone a light on the nation’s dedication to compassionate practices. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in a principled move against animal testing, opted to launch a humanoid robot for the ambitious Gaganyaan project. Recognising this humane decision, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India orchestrated a unique homage.
PETA India’s tribute took the form of a symbolically resonant gesture—a rocket-shaped vegan cake—bestowed upon ISRO. Inspired by the Chandrayaan-3 mission, this masterpiece was meticulously crafted by the acclaimed vegan bakery, Crave by Leena, located in Bengaluru. The cake boasts a harmonious blend of chocolate truffle and blue buttercream, all while adhering to a steadfastly vegan ethos, entirely devoid of eggs and dairy.
In this pivotal juncture, PETA India underscores the magnitude of India’s historical achievements. Monica Chopra, PETA India’s Manager of Fashion, Media, and Celebrity Projects, eloquently states, “India’s trailblazing achievement in reaching the moon’s south pole dovetails with its cultural heritage of vegetarianism. With the world’s largest population of vegetarians and an astounding 360% surge in veganism over a decade, our nation’s accomplishments are indeed a source of immense pride.”
PETA India’s gesture towards ISRO carries a profound reminder of the ethical implications entwined with animal agriculture. The organisation illuminates the profound suffering inherent in egg and dairy production. In the egg industry, hens endure harrowing confinement in cramped cages, while male chicks face grim fates due to their inability to lay eggs. Similarly, male calves in the dairy sector often confront abandonment, starvation, or untimely demise as a result of their non-milking status, inadvertently fueling the cycle of the beef industry.
Beyond ethical considerations, PETA India amplifies the health and environmental consequences associated with animal-derived diets. Scientific studies have firmly linked meat consumption to chronic ailments like heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and cancer. Furthermore, the rearing of animals for food has served as a breeding ground for zoonotic diseases, including the formidable COVID-19. A clarion call from the United Nations underscores the urgent need for a shift towards veganism to alleviate the critical impacts of the climate crisis.
Embedded within PETA India’s mission—captured in the resonant phrase, “animals are not ours to eat”—is the steadfast pursuit of dismantling speciesism, a worldview that transcends human-centric perspectives. For those seeking deeper insights into their endeavors, PETAIndia.com offers a comprehensive window, while engagement across social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram invites further connection.
In this intersection of India’s scientific milestones and ethical progress, PETA India’s gesture stands as a testament to the nation’s potential for transformative change—both within our societal bounds and across the broader canvas of our planet.