Trigger Warning: Staged awareness event with graphic imagery.

On 1st October 2024, a group of PETA India volunteers in Hyderabad marked World Vegetarian Day with a striking demonstration. They lay still on trays, wrapped in cellophane and covered in red artificial blood to represent animal suffering, mimicking the way meat is packaged. Their goal was to show the suffering that animals endure in the meat industry and encourage people to choose a plant-based lifestyle.

“We wanted to make people stop and think about what’s on their plate,” said one of the volunteers. “People often forget that the meat they eat comes from animals who feel pain, just like us. This was our way of reminding them.”

Another volunteer, holding a sign that read “Meat Is Murder,” spoke about the broader impact of going vegan. “This isn’t just about saving animals. The meat industry is one of the biggest contributors to environmental destruction. If we care about the planet, we have to make different choices.”

The display was intense, but it was meant to provoke thought. “Yes, it’s uncomfortable,” said another volunteer. “But we want people to question why it’s okay to do this to animals. If we wouldn’t want this for ourselves, why is it acceptable for them?”

PETA Volunteer added, “We’re not here to judge anyone, but to make them think. If someone walks away from this demonstration thinking twice about their next meal, that’s a win for us. Every small step counts.”

As part of World Vegetarian Awareness Month, the volunteers hope their demonstration will inspire people to consider plant-based diets and the positive impact they can have on animals and the environment. “It’s not just about compassion for animals, but also for the planet. We just want people to be more aware. If even one person rethinks their food choices, it’s worth it,” said one of the PETA supporters.