On 8 March, an Animal Welfare Workshop was held in Mumbai by the newly formed Indian Animal Federation with support from Humane Society International and Sharan. More than 30 representatives from such organisations as People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta India), Beauty Without Cruelty, People for Animals, In Defence of Animals, Plant & Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Karuna Society, Animal Aid Charitable Trust, Actasia for Animals, TSPCA, Indian Vegan Society and International Vegetarian Union came to discuss various animal issues in India.

There were presentations on animal issues by Mr. Arpan Sharma, Dr. Nandita Shah of Sharan, Mr. Jayasimha of Peta and Ms. Chetana Mirle of Humane Society, followed by a lot of time for discussion among the delegates. Mr. Shankar Narayan, representing Indian Vegan Society and International Vegetarian Union, spoke on the diet angle of the animal issues. He received a lot of support from the delegates when he said that ‘animal welfare is only a journey and not a destination’, and the animal movement in India has to abstain from using animals (go vegan) as a first step.

During the lunch and tea breaks, delicious vegan food was served by Ms. Meghna Raj of The Farm, Mumbai.