Influences and beliefs
Palak's early influences have been the teachings of Sri Mohanji, a humanitarian, who promotes ahimsa and non-violence, veganism and compassion with the rich culture of Bharat. Raised as a non-vegetarian, she quit meat in 2009 as soon as she made the connection between animal life and her food choices. It was 5 years later, in 2014, when she understood the deeper relationship between animal agriculture and vegetarian diet and turned vegan - she quit milk and all animal products in her diet and lifestyle.
She believes that India (Bharat) is the land of Ahimsa and all animals have always been respected as sentient beings.
Life Journey
Soon after she discovered a vegan lifestyle, she was motivated to spread awareness about veganism and started India’s first online publication for all things plant-based called Vegan First in 2016. Vegan First was the first platform to curate a list of vegan restaurants in India and curating a list of vegan products.
In 2018 Palak was appointed as the vice-chair of the non-profit, World Vegan Organisation-India Chapter.
In 2019, Vegan First launched the Vegan India Conference which took place in Delhi. This first edition was launched in partnership with the World Vegan Organisation. It was the first time that an International vegan conference was organised in India at a large scale and saw the participation of more than 500 delegates from 18 countries. Indian vegan entrepreneurs, industry leaders and health enthusiasts, scientists, food technologists, policymakers, doctors, hospital representatives, students and consumers attended the event.
In 2020, Palak was invited to be a part of the task force on vegan foods set up by FSSAI which consisted of 7 members all over India. The task force has been responsible for creating a regulatory framework and logo for vegan foods in India. The official logo for vegan food products along with guidelines was launched by FSSAI in 2021.
Palak believes that veganism is not new to India- we are the country which has gifted a healthy sattvic diet to the world. Our rich Indian culture of ahimsa and sattvic wisdom of wellbeing - already belongs to India (Bharat) and the Vegan India Conference celebrates this heritage along with latest innovations. The conference will also be held internationally - representing India’s gift’s globally.
Secrets of India
In 2020, Palak started hosting the show 'Secrets of India' on Youtube. The channel aims to unearth hidden gems and spotlight people who have contributed to the spiritual treasury of Bharat.
Through this initiative, she has interviewed several Spiritual leaders such as Mohanji, Salman Chishty, the gadi nasheen of Dargah Ajmer Sharif, Nitya Shanti, Devi Amma, Viswapathy, Mata Vanamali and more.
Festival of Womanhood
She is leads the Organising Committee of the Festival of Womanhood by Mohanji International (Switzerland). Festival of Womanhood brings thousands of women together from over 65 countries empowering them to live their truth.
The festival aims to unite women across the globe and celebrate the numerous facets of being a woman.
Some speakers who have joined the Festival of Womanhood are Jelena Djokovic, CEO, Novak Djokovic Foundation, Laura Blumenthal, UK Councillor, Ingrid Newkirk, Founder, PETA India and President, PETA USA, Ana Divac, Founder, Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, Devi Mohan, Global President, ACT Foundation, and Global Ambassador, Mohanji Foundation, Brenda Kali, Founder, Conscious Companies and Conscious Leadership Academy and more.
