CHENNAI, 3rd Oct, 2026 — The Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore came alive on Friday, October 2, as the World Veg Council, in collaboration with Rotary International District 3233 and the Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College Hospital, Chennai, hosted the third edition of the “Nature Cure Fest.” Organized on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, the event drew a massive crowd of over 3,000 attendees, including student-doctors, Rotarians, and members of the general public.
Celebrating the principles of Yoga and Naturopathy, the festival aimed to promote plant-based diets and highlight the health advantages of vegetarianism. Highlighting the morning’s activities, student-doctors formed a striking human formation on the stadium ground to spell out the message “Go Veg, Do Yoga.” They also showcased an elaborate display of fireless cooking, preparing nutritious dishes using raw vegetables and wholesome cereals. In another unique demonstration of naturopathic healing, around 50 participants underwent a traditional “banana leaf bath.” This specialized therapy involves applying natural ingredients to the body, wrapping the individual in fresh banana leaves, and taking a sunbath to help remedy skin ailments and promote overall physical well-being.
Chief Guest Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, Judge at the Madras High Court, addressed the gathering and commended the organizers for championing holistic health. He particularly praised the dedication of over 1,000 student-doctors representing more than 10 Yoga and Naturopathy colleges across Tamil Nadu, who actively participated in the initiative despite it being a public holiday. Guest of Honour Shriram Duvvuri, District Governor of Rotary International District 3233, congratulated the gathering and lauded the World Veg Council’s ongoing mission to curb lifestyle diseases through natural living and plant-based nutrition.
Prominent officials from the World Veg Council, including President Mahaveer Bothra, Secretary Sudhakar Narayanaswamy, and Founder N. Tarachand Dugar, spoke during the event. They urged the community to embrace a shared responsibility toward healthy living and called upon the public to adopt sustainable lifestyle modifications focused on vegetarianism.
World Veg Council:
Originally established in 1959 as The Indian Vegetarian Congress by the late Rukmini Devi Arundale, the organization was rebranded as the World Veg Council in 2012. As a non-political, non-profit society, it has spent decades raising awareness about the wellness benefits of a plant-based diet. Beyond community outreach and periodic member engagement across India, the UK, and the USA, the Council has played a pivotal role in advising government agencies on food labelling standards—most notably advocating for the iconic green dot symbol to distinguish 100% vegetarian products from those containing egg or meat.
Speeches by Organisers & Chief Guest:
Mahaveer Bothra, President of World Veg Council highlights an annual event organized to advocate the concept of “Food as Medicine,” encouraging people to consume natural food at least once a week to prevent and cure diseases. He praises the Chief Guest Justice N.Anand Venkatesh noting his exemplary character, passion, and flawless ability to connect with the youth by delivering very thoughtful speech which they could understand and remember for a life time. He emphasizes Rotary District 3233’s vast contributions to society, including healthcare initiatives like heart checkups, leadership development, business networking, and community service. He invites attendees to join Rotary, the World Veg Council, or related initiatives to promote overall well-being, emphasizing that “Health is Wealth.”Concluding his address, he thanks the sponsors, organizers, college management, and doctors for their support, playfully urging the audience to applaud for good health, and urges everyone to spread the message: “Food is Medicine, Medicine is Food.”
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, Judge, High Court of Madras emphasizes the importance of discipline, patience, and active listening, especially for future doctors. Reflecting on his lifelong journey as a vegetarian—a legacy passed down through generations in his family—he clarifies that vegetarianism is not superior to other lifestyles, but a personal choice that brings inner peace, clarity, and harmony with nature without causing harm to living beings.
He notes that food shapes human thoughts, citing the ancient belief and scientific concept that food divides into three parts: physical strength, waste, and the mind itself. Consequently, the chef’s mindset impacts the eater’s consciousness. Quoting Tirukkural and recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, he highlights that true culture lies in self-discipline rather than judging others, comparing a vegetarian’s journey to a river that silently nourishes its surroundings without questioning others’ choices.
In his speech on Gandhi Jayanti, Dr. N.Manavalan, Principal of the Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College,Chennai emphasizes that each day is a God-given gift to serve dutifully. Highlighting Father of the Nation “Mahatma Gandhi” as the “Father of Indian Naturopathy” he recalls Gandhi’s vision that individuals should not spend money on hospitals, every village should have a naturopathy centre, and everyone should learn to be their own doctor.
Dr. Manavalan stresses that health cannot be bought as a commodity; instead, yoga, naturopathy, and a natural, plant-based vegetarian diet serve as true lifestyle medicine. Expressing gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government, he notes that qualified BNYS doctors are now deployed across districts, hospitals, and even the Madras High Court lifestyle clinic. Concluding with a message on ethics, duty, and public responsibility, he commends his dedicated faculty and praises the students’ inspiring yoga performance before inviting Mr. Manavalan to speak on the benefits of Nature Cure.
Renowned personalities who spoke about Vegetarianism:
• “Animals are my friends…and I don’t eat my friends.” ― George Bernard Shaw
• “Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.” ― Thomas A. Edison
• “I have from an early age abjured the use of meat, and the time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
• “Vegetarian food leaves a deep impression on our nature. If the whole world adopts vegetarianism, it can change the destiny of humankind.” ― Albert Einstein
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