top of page
Search

Reflecting on the FAC Regional Event India: Insights, Conversations, and Next Steps

Updated: Apr 4

Over two impactful days on March 22-23, the FAC Regional Event India brought together more than 80 attendees, 25 speakers and moderators, and a series of thought-provoking discussions exploring animal welfare, sustainability, and social justice. Hosted across three physical venues in Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, alongside an engaging online platform, the event fostered deep conversations on reshaping food systems, empowering communities, and advocating for a more just and sustainable future. The event was co-organized by Samayu, Animal Law & Policy Network (ALPN), Animal Law Center - NALSAR University of Law and AfA's Farm Animal Coalition.



Key Themes & Discussions

 

Kicking Off with a Thought-Provoking Fireside Chat

The event began with a fireside chat between Varda Mehrotra and Kiss Nuka (Anushka Manchanda), setting the tone for a weekend of deep discussions. Titled "Culturally Relevant Approaches to Vegan Advocacy," this conversation explored the evolving landscape of farmed animal advocacy in India.


They discussed why traditional Western approaches don’t always translate effectively in the Indian context and how advocacy needs to be adapted to align with cultural values, dietary traditions, and local social structures. A key theme was the importance of storytelling and framing narratives in a way that resonates with diverse audiences, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas where plant-based diets are already deeply embedded in tradition but are often overlooked in modern advocacy strategies.


They also addressed legal and policy barriers that slow the shift toward plant-based food systems, highlighting the need for policy-level interventions and community-driven initiatives to create lasting change. The session concluded with a discussion on new advocacy methods, stronger legal frameworks, and deeper collaborations between organizations and policymakers to advance animal welfare in India.


Ensuring Cultural and Contextual Relevance in Vegan Advocacy

Following the fireside chat, Varda Mehrotra moderated a panel discussion featuring Lokesh Jain, Sanchita, Manoj Rai, and Prateek Gautam, where the focus was on making plant-based advocacy in India more culturally and contextually relevant.


The panelists emphasized the critical need for plant-based advocacy in India to be culturally and contextually relevant, acknowledging that veganism and animal advocacy can sometimes be perceived as urban or westernized. They highlighted the importance of considering India's complex socio-political landscape, including caste, religion, and regional differences, to avoid alienating communities and ensure inclusivity. The discussion cautioned against the uncritical application of Western tactics, like the liberation pledge, which may inadvertently reinforce existing inequalities. Furthermore, the panelists underscored the significance of language choices in shaping perceptions of the movement and the need to address the distinct challenges faced in urban versus rural settings, particularly concerning caste dynamics.


Ultimately, the session advocated for creating a welcoming and inclusive culture within the animal rights movement in India to foster growth and broader participation.



Exploring the Future of Plant-Based Protein

Another key discussion on Day 1 was led by Gabriella D’Cruz, who spoke about making plant-based protein more accessible. She emphasized that for widespread adoption, plant-based options must be affordable, culturally relevant, and easily integrated into everyday diets. From advancements in precision fermentation to the importance of food security and sustainability, the session underscored the critical role of innovation, policy, and collaboration in transforming the food system.


Making Plant-Based Protein Accessible

Moderated by Abhishek Sinha, with insights from Aarohi Surya, Rashmit Arora, and Aiyanna Belliappa, this session highlighted the rapid growth and potential of plant-based proteins in India. The panelists discussed how India’s agricultural base and skilled workforce provide a strong foundation for scaling plant-based alternatives. They emphasized that plant-based protein has the potential to address protein deficiency in India while offering sustainable and culturally acceptable alternatives to animal-derived products.



A crucial takeaway was the importance of creating products that resemble but are not labeled as meat and dairy, to cater to a wider audience while respecting cultural sensitivities. The panelists stressed that taste and affordability are key factors in encouraging mass adoption, and they highlighted the role of community engagement and storytelling in promoting plant-based diets.


They also acknowledged the challenges of building the plant-based sector, noting that success requires long-term commitment, innovation, and resilience to navigate the evolving landscape.


Grassroots Advocacy and Institutional Change

Day 2 focused heavily on grassroots advocacy and systemic institutional change. Experts like Ashok Kannan, Tarun Katoch, and Sri Rang K. discussed the power of working with farmers as partners rather than opposing them. They shared insights into how cooperatives and farmer-led organizations can play a role in ensuring higher welfare standards, sustainability, and biodiversity protection while still securing livelihoods.



A separate session looked at how institutions and government policies shape the future of animal welfare. Speakers such as Dr. Divya Veluguri and Ms. Gauri Maulekhi explored how regulatory frameworks, certification systems, and financial incentives could drive ethical practices in agriculture, particularly in areas like shrimp welfare and cage-free egg production.



Reframing Animal Rights in Social Justice Movements

Legal expert Ashwini Vaidialingam delivered a powerful keynote on how animals are often left out of social justice movements. She discussed the anthropocentric nature of India’s legal system and the challenges of advocating for animal rights within existing policy frameworks. By drawing parallels between human rights and animal welfare, she made a compelling case for including non-human animals in broader justice movements.


Working with Communities for Sustainable Agriculture

A significant theme throughout the event was the intersection of agriculture, animal welfare, and community well-being. Nyomie moderated a panel that explored the challenges facing India’s agriculture sector and how working directly with communities can lead to sustainable change.

Speakers Nitya, Shailesh, and Gajender emphasized that social, economic, and ecological factors are deeply interconnected, and successful animal welfare advocacy must consider the realities of farmers and agricultural workers. Discussions covered the importance of preserving traditional farming practices, the conservation of native heirloom seeds, and the role of sustainable techniques in reducing reliance on industrial animal agriculture.


The panel also addressed critical issues such as antimicrobial resistance and disease outbreaks in the livestock industry, highlighting how government policies and technological innovations could support more ethical, sustainable farming systems.


A Coalition for the Planet

The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on reimagining human-animal relationships and how advocates, policymakers, and communities can work together to build a more ethical and sustainable food system.



Norma Alvares emphasized the need to shift from viewing humans as offenders to seeing them as partners in animal advocacy. She stressed that constructive dialogue, rather than confrontation, is key to expanding activism beyond legal battles. With over 90% of Indians consuming animal products, an inclusive approach is necessary—one that recognizes food’s deep cultural and economic significance. Instead of advocating for strict dietary purity, activists should work within existing traditions, such as religious fasting or culturally accepted plant-based meals, to make humane food choices more accessible.


She also highlighted the importance of gradual, practical change from supporting better welfare standards to investing in plant-based and lab-grown alternatives. Small, incremental shifts, like reducing factory farming and promoting ethical food systems, can create a long-term impact.

This session reinforced a key takeaway: collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and realistic solutions will be essential in shaping a future where animal welfare and human well-being go hand in hand.


A Few Words from Attendees

 

The event sparked meaningful discussions, and attendees shared their enthusiasm for the depth and relevance of the sessions.



Thank You to Our Sponsors

 

A special thanks to Animal Law & Policy Network and ProVeg International for adding a warm touch to the event by ensuring that attendees could enjoy nourishing refreshments throughout the discussions. Their support helped create a more welcoming and engaging atmosphere, allowing everyone to stay energized and fully immersed in the conversations.


Looking Ahead

 

As the event wrapped up, it was clear that these conversations would continue long after the final session. With participants joining from diverse backgrounds including policy, law, activism, business, and community organizing, the exchange of ideas set the stage for ongoing collaboration.



FAC will carry this momentum into upcoming regional events. The next FAC Regional Event will take place in Indonesia this June, followed by the FAC Regional Event Nepal later this year. In addition to our regional gatherings, keep an eye out for these global and online events:


Let’s keep the conversation going, and we hope to see you at the next one!


 

🎥 Missed a session? Want to revisit key insights? Session recordings are now available! We encourage you to watch and enjoy the discussions, and we hope you find them insightful and inspiring.



Comments

bottom of page