When Vegetarian Turns Vigilante.

The article examines the growing hostility towards meat-eaters in Gujarat, India, particularly among the Gujarati community, where strict dietary practices and a dominant vegetarian culture have emerged. It highlights the historical context of vegetarianism in Gujarat, influenced by figures like Mohandas Gandhi, and discusses how contemporary Hindu-nationalist sentiments have intensified intolerance towards meat consumption. The article notes that while a significant portion of Gujaratis do eat meat, societal pressures and political dynamics create an environment where meat-eaters often conceal their dietary choices. It also addresses the implications of this vegetarian hegemony on social interactions and cultural practices, illustrating how food has become a tool for asserting political and social dominance. [Extracted from the article]