New Delhi, Oct 06: Animal Welfare Society of India today observed 17th World Vegetarian Day in order to promote the concept of harmonious co-existence of human beings and animals. The day is being observed to highlight various aspects of vegetarianism including prevention of cruelty to animals, an official release said here.

A large number of school children, environmentalists, ecological experts, animal lovers, philanthropists, eminent doctors and believers of non-violence participated in it.
About 20 million people in United States of America have become vegetarian because of health reasons, the release said. Bureau Report