On 18th March 2023, over 500 activists participated in an animal rights and veganism march in Bangalore, the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The South Zone Animal Rights March, organised by the Vegan India Movement (VIM) and Bengaluru Brigade for Animal Liberation (BBAL), started at Rani Sarala Devi College, Jayanagar (a residential and commercial neighbourhood in Bangalore) and moved 3.6 km passing through Madhavan Park, Cool Joint, BDA Complex, and Jain Temple
Full of placards and signs with information about animal rights and veganism, the march ended when it started where participants were introduced to several vegan businesses and community activities. The organisers posted this advertising the march: “Let us march for the animals and on behalf of our fellow sentient earthlings, make our voices heard. We’ll be marching with energy and passion from Jayanagar, demanding an end to the exploitation & plight the animals endure. We’ll be chanting for the liberation of non-humans, promoting veganism, and spreading awareness about the urgent need for change. This is your chance to be part of a passionate community of activists who are committed to making a difference.”
This march was part of a two-day event, in which the first day included the march with talks and performances, community-building, strategizing, and dinner, while the second day involved a massive outreach with activists from other cities.
Richa Annie Thomas, the co-founder of VIM and BBAL, said to Deccan Herald: “People rarely think about the ways that we exploit animals. Raising awareness is the only way to get people to see the impact their daily choices have on the lives of innocent beings.”
