Dr Aditi Gowitrikar Launches PETA's New Ad Series
For Immediate Release:
August 9, 2000
Contact:
Jason Baker 98201 22561, JasonB@peta-online.org
New Delhi –– People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are kicking off their new campaign to promote vegetarianism with an ad starring model Dr Aditi Gowitrikar wearing a form-fitting gown made of lettuce. The ad will debut on the cover of next month's issue of India's top fashion magazine Femina. Photos of other famous vegetarians, including John Abraham, wearing outfits made entirely of vegetables created by designer Hemant Trevidi, will also be featured in the magazine.
PETA's new ad, shot by India's top fashion photographer Atul Kasbekar, has Elle-cover model Dr Aditi Gowitrikar posed in a "vegetarian" fashion that looks good enough to eat—literally—the gown is made entirely of fresh lettuce. The tagline on the ad reads "Let Vegetarianism Grow on You". Other ads in the series will appear on PETA's Web site in August.
Says Dr Gowitrikar, "Being a doctor, as well as a model, I know that eating veg is the first and most important ingredient in keeping fit. If you eat chicken or other meat, you're consuming toxins, fat and cholesterol. Veg food is powered with all the vitamins and protein you need to be at your best".
PETA wants to encourage Indians, especially young Indians turning away from traditional vegetarian fare, to recognise the increasing popularity of vegetarianism in North America. From vegetarian Boca Burgers served in the White House to vegetable curry that has replaced roast beef as the most popular food in Britain—millions of people worldwide are making the switch to vegetarianism as they recognise the cruelty involved in meat production and the link between meat eating and burgeoning rates of heart disease, cancer and stroke. In the United States alone, more than 1 million people make the switch to a meat-free diet every year.
Many animals in India are raised on cruel factory farms. Animals reared in these "farms" are kept in dark, crowded buildings, crammed into cages and stalls so small that they can barely turn around. They never see the sun, breathe fresh air or feel the earth beneath their feet. Severe overcrowding and routine mutilation add to their misery. Old dairy cows and egg-laying hens are sent to slaughter when they are no longer profitable. On the rocky and crowded trip to the abattoir, many cows suffer broken legs. When cows and calves collapse along the way, hot chili peppers and tobacco are rubbed into their eyes in an effort to force them to stand. Once inside the slaughterhouse, their throats are slit. Some have their legs hacked off or are skinned while still alive.
While factory farms started in the U.S. in the 1950s, many are now being slapped with harsh limitations because of their devastating effects on human health, the environment and animal welfare. However, India's factory farming industry is growing.
John Abraham was personally disturbed to see the growth of factory farming in his hometown: "After seeing new chicken farms outside of Mumbai, it got me thinking. I love animals, so why would I eat them" Now, I'm vegetarian and feel better than ever. I've especially valued the muscle-building and fitness advantages of a veg diet".
The world's most nutrition-conscious doctors now advocate a vegetarian diet. Dr T. Colin Campbell of Cornell University in the US reports that "the vast majority ... of all cancers, cardiovascular diseases and other forms of degenerative illness can be prevented ... simply by adopting a plant-based diet". Dr Dean Ornish of the University of California has demonstrated that artery blockages can be reversed with a low-fat vegetarian diet. Meat, eggs and dairy products are loaded with fat and cholesterol, which lead to obesity, heart attacks, cancer, strokes and other diseases. Fish are often highly contaminated with mercury and other cancer-causing toxins. Vegetarian foods are low in fat and have absolutely no cholesterol.
Vegetarianism is the diet of many popular celebrities. Sir Paul McCartney, Kim Basinger, Martina Navratilova, Amitabh Bachchan, Bryan Adams, Anil Kumble, Pamela Anderson, Mahima, Woody Harrelson, Alicia Silverstone, Juhi Chawla, Natalie Portman and Jackie Shroff are just a few of the many vegetarian stars.
