Animal welfare was the main topic of discussion at the first World Compassion Day, held on Wednesday 28 November in Mumbai.
Speaking at the event, the Dalai Lama said , “I was not vegetarian till about five decades ago, but when I saw hens being abused on an animal farm, I decided to become vegetarian.”
The Dalai Lama promoted the need to create awareness about respect for life and vegetarianism. “The media must play an important role, and even the younger generation must be informed about moral ethics through education,” he said.
Renowned for his compassionate values and the strong yet dignified stance he has taken on the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the Dalai Lama said with a smile, “A vegetarian diet is the most healthy one for you. We must respect all forms of life”.