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AHIMSA TIMES - APRIL 2009 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
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the pupal stage, the silkworms secrete a fluid by which they cover themselves and form a cocoon. After the gestation period, the moth opens and flies away. The yarn is produced when these cocoons are put into boiling water thus killing the moths.
The technology involves piercing the cocoon thus allowing the moth to fly through the hole. In fact, he collects those cocoons which do not have moths inside from Seri Fed. Though he does not get continuity of yarn thereby causing breakages, it is slowly spinned bringing together the breakages and made into a single thread. The process is certainly laborious, and of course reflects in the pricing of the final product. Out of 100 kilos of cocoons, only 16 kilos were obtained and each kilo is being charged by the spinning unit. The cost per saree might come to about Rs 4,500 unlike the conventional ones ranging from Rs 2,000 onwards. The quality obtained is soft and finer with the 'Ahimsa silk' compared to the usual silk. Rajaiah, along with the National Institute of Fashion Technology will soon be commercialising the Ahimsa silk'. This apart, the technical officer at the Andhra Pradesh Co-operative Society has plans to talk to fashion houses and big retail chains to store these kind of eco-friendly products as they are sold at a premium. Perhaps, this patent will get recognition and bring the concept of 'Ahimsa' fresh in the weaving industry.
TIPS ON BECOMING A VEGETARIAN While going meatless isn't for everyone, it can improve your health. Here are tips from nutritionists on making the transition: Know why you're doing it. Having firm reasons for changing your diet -- whether moral, ethical, medical, environmental or otherwise -- can keep you on track.
Set guidelines. Many vegetarians decide to keep eating eggs and dairy, while others opt to cut all animal products. Tell family and friends. They may not understand or approve, so be ready to explain your reasons. Buy a vegetarian cookbook or use an online source such as www.goveg.com. Try one new dish a week to make the switch fun -- not a form of deprivation. Keep eating healthy. Vegetarianism can be very unhealthy if you load up on junk food. Stick with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, meat substitutes, soy protein and low-fat dairy. Good snacks include fruits and vegetables, almonds, hummus, low-fat granola and whole-grain crackers.
Watch your protein intake. Vegetarians need to be careful to get enough protein (as well as calories and healthy fats). Nuts, beans and seeds are three good choices. Experiment with meatless products. Grocery stores stock tofu and many meat substitutes, including sausage patties, chicken nuggets, bacon and ground beef. So you can keep making favorites like lasagna, spaghetti, chili and stir-fry with those products. Go ethnic, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Thai restaurants tend to have a lot of vegetarian choices. You also can ask a restaurant to prepare a dish without meat.
YOUNG INDIAN VEGETARIAN SOCIETY, U.K. PROMOTES 'AHIMSA' The Young Indian Vegetarian Society (U.K.) was formed to promote Vegetarianism and Compassion to Animals. There are almost 5 million English vegetarians in UK. The institution also gives Mahaveer Awards to individuals who promote vegetarianism and compassion to animals. Amongst the recipients of the Mahaveer Award are the late speaker of British parliament Lord Weatherill, veteran politician Tony Benn, Maneka Gandhi, Swami Ram Dev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Lord Swaraj Paul, Amma and many others. Thev society's activities have brought vegetarianism to prominence in UK. Thev society has also supported many animal sanctuaries in UK and also started vegetarian societies in Kenya, Delhi, Mauritius and Punjab.
According to the society Jains do not promote vegetarianism as much as they should. Vegetarianism is about protecting our Dharma and Indian culture. While we do little the meat lobby is spending millions to promote meat eating in India. Do we feed meat to cats and dogs even though we know that they are completely healthy on a vegetarian diet? We Jains need to set a good example. Courtesy: Fakirchand J. Dalal Website: www.youngindianvegetarians.co.uk
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