Shah said veganism is slowly catching the fancy of Indians who are keen to keep lifestyle diseases at bay.

"Last year, around 2,000 people enrolled for various programmes with us and so far, around 17,000 people have attended them," Shah added.

Even in the west, Shah said, there is a growing number of celebrities who have turned vegan. The list boasts of names like former U.S. president Bill Clinton, who opted for a vegan diet after he underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004. The world celebrates Vegan Day November 1.

For Nandini Gulati, 45, it was hypertension and obesity that drove her to become a vegan.

"Food stops look appetising after some time. You want to adapt a lifestyle that is good and healthy. I have lost 25 kilos ever since I have become a vegan," said Gulati, who is a health and wellness coach.

She said for Indians, giving up animal products is easy rather than leaving milk products.

"One can have an ice-cream made of coconut milk and dates. No one can make out the difference. It is a healthy way of living with a difference too," Gulati added.

"We refrain from milk products, yet we enjoy ice-creams, curd and shakes. The trick is replacing milk with peanut milk, almond milk and soya milk. They can be made easily at home," Nageshwaran added.

"Preparing oil-free and tasty vegan recipes is my forte now. I love creating new dishes that are not only tasty but healthy too," said Nageshwaran, who has started cooking classes for those interested in vegan food.

For non-vegetarians, soya is a good replacement, she said. Also, many stores keep vegan products like mock meat, veggie meat slices and tofu.

Gulati felt that in India, it is easy to be vegan.

"I tell all my friends to go vegan. For Indians, it is very easy to do. We have vegetarian restaurants. One just has to tell the waiter what he needs to do.

"If I am eating at a friend's place, I usually call ahead and find out what's on the menu and offer help so that I can include a vegan meal. Or I carry my own dish and share it with others. This is one sure way of influencing others too," she said with a beaming smile.

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