Nilay Kumar

Navigating the bustling streets of Mumbai, I often reflect on how different life is here compared to Palitana, my hometown. Growing up in Palitana, known as the world's most vegetarian city, was an experience steeped in the principles of Jainism. Every action was taken with care to avoid harming any living creature. At 22, now studying biology in Mumbai, the contrast between my past and present couldn't be starker.

In Palitana, I spent my days meticulously sweeping the path ahead to ensure no insects were accidentally harmed, and we avoided root vegetables for fear of disturbing life in the soil. For 20 years, this vigilance shaped my existence, instilling a deep respect for all living beings. Yet, this lifestyle, while fulfilling in its devotion to non-violence, was also exhausting in its rigidity.

Mumbai has offered me a different kind of freedom. I still hold onto my vegetarianism, a core part of my identity, but I no longer feel the pressure of constant surveillance over my actions. I’m discovering my own balance between respecting life and living practically. It’s liberating to make these choices for myself, rather than adhering strictly to inherited dogma.

Studying biology has broadened my perspective even further. The irony of my interest in a field that often involves dissecting life is not lost on me. However, I see it as a way to deepen my understanding of life’s complexities and promote a harmonious existence. In this diverse city, I’ve learned to appreciate different lifestyles and have inspired some friends to consider vegetarianism without preaching. I firmly believe a world with more vegetarians would be profoundly different and better. My journey from Palitana to Mumbai has taught me the importance of tolerance, choice, and finding a personal path to non-violence.