Saurabh Dalal, 42, is the president of the Vegetarian Society of the District of Columbia, where he has served since 1996. The organization is the oldest local vegetarian society in North America. Each year, it hosts a Life-Affirming Thanksgiving Dinner, gathering vegetarians and non-vegetarians to promote plant-based diets. Today is also a celebration of its 80-year anniversary. Dalal, born in India and raised in Maryland, has been a lifelong vegetarian. As an adult, he is vegan.
How long have you been a vegetarian?
All of my life. My parents were too, for all of their lives.
What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan?
A vegetarian doesn’t eat any flesh foods like meats and eggs. A vegan doesn’t eat meat, honey or any animal byproducts. A vegan’s lifestyle would include not wearing material like leather, too.
How did you get involved with the VSDC?
I just heard through friends and acquaintances about the organization. When I met some of the members, they seemed really friendly and helpful. In 1990, I volunteered. The rest is history.
What are the benefits of going meatless?
Personal health, especially. It’s environmentally safe because using animal products causes a lot of waste. It may also help with a person’s spirituality because it shows compassion and respect for animals.
What’s a good vegetarian Thanksgiving meal?
In today’s world, we have lots of options: tofu turkey, pasta dishes with vegetables, mushroom-stuffed ravioli, candied yams, stir-fry and fresh salads. Take your pick.
