Raw food and the vegan diet are getting increasingly popular. More and more people are turning to veganism across the world. Numerous studies suggest that a change in your food habits can completely transform you. And this is not just now. Even centuries ago, Indian saints and sages were vegan, and certainly not for health alone, but for spiritual enlightenment. To explore this ancient lifestyle, Soulveda spoke to Anjali Sanghi, founder of the Indian Raw Vegan Foundation. The conversation provided unexpected answers and led us to a rather profound revelation about the connection between the body, mind and spirit.
Excerpts from the interview that covered this fascinating concept, the philosophy, the benefits and Anjali’s own journey:
Can you tell us a little about the kind of work you do?
I have been working with raw food, writing and speaking on Indian raw vegan recipes and high raw lifestyle. I am also an author and a motivational speaker. I founded the Indian Raw Vegan Foundation which offers lifestyle programmes to empower people so they can be nourished in body, mind and spirit.
Have you studied any discipline or did this passion evolve organically? When did you first experiment with it?
More than a decade ago, I visited the Institute of Spiritual Sciences in New Delhi where I learnt and practised various forms of energy healing and meditations. This opened my eyes to the many possibilities in life. It was new and beautiful to me. Thereafter, I pursued holistic wellbeing, healthcare and education from national and international mentors and institutions. Nutrition was one of the subjects I studied. Around that time, I was sincerely seeking answers, and ever since, this pursuit became a way of life for me and my family.
Raw food and vegan diet have gained tremendous attention over the years. Can you simplify this concept for us?
Raw food is plant food in its fresh and ripe state. Fruits, vegetables, greens, sprouts, fresh nuts and seeds are raw food. Sun-dried food or food heated below 47 degree celsius are also considered raw. The nutritious value of raw food remains intact in its whole state. This makes it very beneficial. It is recommended that every person (irrespective of their lifestyle) should have 5-8 servings of fresh raw food every day.
Vegan is a term given to food that is completely plant based. It excludes all products originating from animals including milk and honey.
Other than the physical benefits, tell us about the philosophy behind it?
Thousands of Indians lead a raw food lifestyle. This is because there is more to it than the physical benefits like inner health, beauty and strength. Raw veganism is an ancient and natural lifestyle. It is the heritage of Indian saints, sages and tribes along with many indigenous cultures around the world. It is the only lifestyle which naturally and effortlessly nourishes your body, mind and overall being. It is known to help protect you from many dreaded and unknown diseases. In India, it has helped people overcome cancer, leprosy, auto-immune diseases and many more. It also helps beat substance addiction.
True dedication towards balanced growth is the key to making any transformation. In the long run, the growth will finally be evident in all spheres of life.
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