It takes two to tango. One is an actor, influencer, Gen V ambassador and animal rights activist, while the other is a climate X gender activist, SHE Changes Climate India ambassador, and sustainability strategist. When both of them come together, the outcome is India’s first luxury plant-based networking charity dinner – Meat Less Meet More. Meet Amy Aela and Shreya Ghodawat in conversation with TheGlitz.
Meat Less Meet More: An Epicurean Experience
TheGlitz: AMY & SHREYA, please introduce yourself. Tell us about Meat Less Meet More and what you do?
Hi, I’m Amy Aela, an Indian-Australian actor, entrepreneur, influencer, animal rights activist, podcaster, and Gen V Ambassador with 13+ years of experience in the luxury events space.
I am Shreya Ghodawat, SHE Changes Climate India Ambassador, Climate X gender activist, and sustainability strategist. Together, we’ve founded Meat Less Meet More. It’s India’s first fully plant-based luxury experiences company aimed at bringing together like-minded individuals to foster conscious connections, all while promoting the benefits of a plant-based and cruelty-free lifestyle.
What are the most significant goals of Meat Less Meet More for India?
SHREYA: Our primary vision with Meat Less Meet More is to create and grow a community of individuals who share a passion for plant-based living. We aim to inspire a shift towards sustainable choices, promote the ethical treatment of animals, and showcase the richness and variety of plant-based cuisine in India without any compromise or lack of appeal. Through our events, we hope to contribute to a more conscious and compassionate way of living by making it look and feel glamorous and aspirational at the same time.
AMY: Our events are meticulously designed for vegetarians, vegans, the plant-forward, or the plant-curious, offering a platform for networking, be it for business, investing, relationships, or travel. These exclusive, invite-only events ensure quality conversations and valuable networking opportunities in the flourishing plant-based industry, all while sipping champagne.
What do you find most rewarding about your initiative of bringing like-minded individuals together for a networking charity dinner from a vegan point of view?
AMY: The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the convergence of individuals who are not only passionate about networking but also committed to embracing a plant-based lifestyle. It’s a joy to see people connecting over delicious vegan meals, knowing that our events contribute to a positive impact on the environment, animals, and personal well-being.
SHREYA: This is more than just a dinner or a networking event; it’s an experience; it’s a movement; it’s a shift. We’re uniting people from all walks of life and providing them with the ultimate platform to connect, collaborate, and change the world for the better.
Why is it special for you to support a non-profit organization like Mercy for Animals?
SHREYA: Mercy for Animals aligns perfectly with our mission. By supporting them, we amplify our commitment to ending cruelty to farmed animals. Their impactful work resonates with our values, making it crucial for us to contribute to their cause and be a part of the collective effort towards a more compassionate world.
AMY: Meat Less Meet More promises an intimate gathering of 80 like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for sustainability, animal welfare, and conscious living. In our commitment to amplifying impact, we are delighted to partner with Mercy for Animals. A portion of the event proceeds will go towards this noble cause.
What do you hope invitees take away from this cause?
AMY: We hope people leave our event with a newfound appreciation for plant-based living. Whether they are seasoned vegans or exploring this lifestyle for the first time, we want them to take away a sense of community, awareness about the impact of their choices, and a desire to incorporate more plant-based options into their lives.
Since when did you both go vegan? What prompted you to switch to a plant-based diet and how did you find that transition?
SHREYA: Amy and I both fully transitioned to a vegan lifestyle a few years ago. For me, it was a growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture and a deepening connection to sustainability. The transition, though challenging initially, became a journey of discovery and joy as we explored the diverse and delectable world of plant-based cuisine.
How can one join or become a member?
AMY: Joining Meat Less Meet More is simple! Visit our website or follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events and membership details. We welcome anyone who shares our passion for plant-based living and networking to join our growing community.
Are there any plans to expand Meat Less Meet More Networking Charity dinner to other cities?
SHREYA: Absolutely! We envision taking Meat Less Meet More to different cities, creating a nationwide network of individuals committed to sustainable and compassionate living, and who knows? One day, even internationally! Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events in other vibrant locations.
“I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Amy Aela and Shreya Ghodawat, the visionary duo behind India’s first invite-only plant-based networking charity dinner, Meat Less Meet More, at Akina. This collaboration is more than just an event; it’s a commitment to a conscious and compassionate future.”
Nikhil Merani, Partner at Akina
Why do you reckon vegan food is becoming more popular around the world?
AMY: The popularity of vegan food is soaring globally because people are recognising its positive impact on health, the environment, and animal welfare. As more individuals seek sustainable and ethical choices, the appeal of delicious and diverse plant-based cuisine continues to grow.
What projects are you planning in the future?
SHREYA: In the future, we plan to expand our initiatives, collaborating with influential personalities, chefs, and experts to further promote the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. We’re exploring partnerships, workshops, and innovative projects that will continue to inspire positive change.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the state of the vegan trend in India?
AMY: The vegan trend in India is experiencing a remarkable upswing. People are increasingly embracing plant-based choices, driven by a combination of health consciousness, environmental awareness, and ethical considerations. It’s heartening to witness this positive shift, and we are excited to contribute to the growth of the vegan community in our homeland.
