meat is murder

The Food Programme on Radio 4 (usually exponents of veal and scoffers at raw food diets) have featured a programme about Jainism and vegetarianism.

Simon Parkes explores Jainism as one of the roots of Vegetarianism. Non-violence is the foundation of this religion and philosophy and determines the strict vegetarian way of eating and living. Simon meets Jains in India and in Britain and finds out how difficult it is to adhere to the principles in the UK of the 21st century.

Reading taken from Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found  by Suketu Mehta.

Simon Parkes is joined in the studio by author of 50 Great Curries of India,Camellia Panjabi and novelist and author of The Heretic’s Feast – A History of Vegetarianism, Colin Spencer.

Simon Parkes visits the Parekh family in Calcutta and talks to Devendra Parekh and his mother Karuna as lunch preparations are getting under way.

Simon Parkes visits the Jain Temple in Leicester during a 9 day fasting period which coincided with the birthday anniversary of Lord Mahavira. He talks to Usha Mehta at home in Leicester.

Further information
Masala Zone
9 Marshall Street
W1F 7ER
Tel: 020 7287 9966

Books
Maximum City : Bombay Lost and Found  by Suketu Mehta published by Headline Review; New Ed edition, ISBN-10: 0747259690, ISBN-13:978-0747259695

50 Great Curries of India  by Camellia Panjabi published by Kyle Cathie, ISBN-10: 185626128X

Vegetarianism: A history  by Colin Spencer published by Grub Street, ISBN 1-902304-58-6