Mahaveer Awards 2006

PRESS RELEASE
 

Swami Ramdev who has brought about a health and cultural revolution in India through Yoga was presented with a Mahaveer award on 13th July 2006. The event was organised by the Young Indian Vegetarians at the House of Commons in London. Young Indian Vegetarians society was founded by Nitin Mehta MBE.

The society has campaigned to promote vegetarianism and compassion to animals for the last 26 years. Leaders of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist organisations were present as well as former speaker of parliament Lord Weatherill. Mahaveer awards were also presented to Lord Swaraj Paul and Judge Mota Sigh QC, both of whom are vegetarians. In his welcome speech, Nitin Mehta said that Swami Ramdev was a great saint who has persuaded countless people to give up meat eating and will persuade tens of thousands of people in future. Ahimsa and Vegetarianism as well as Yoga are India's greatest gifts to the world and all Indians should practice these virtues.

In his reply Swami Ramdev said that Lord Ram was a vegetarian as was Lord Krishna. Compassion to other living beings is a duty of the human race. There are laws to protect human beings but non to protect animals- this has to change. Swamiji praised the workof Young Indian Vegetarians--promoting Indian culture and values so far from India.

The inscription on the award presented to Swamiji is as follows:

Judge Mota Singh, speaking after receiving
the award.

Nitin Mehta and Kirit Mehta presenting the Mahveer award to Swami Ramdev