In a stunning visual representation reminiscent of a mermaid about to be ensnared in a net, Palak Tiwari, the renowned actor, takes center stage to kickstart Vegetarian Awareness Month (October). She does so by participating in a fresh print campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.
The campaign’s core message is to encourage everyone to reconsider what they put on their plate and to advocate for the preservation of fish in their natural habitat, the oceans.
This captivating campaign unveiled on the auspicious occasion of World Animal Day (October 4th), was expertly captured by the renowned photographer Tejas Nerurkar. It features impeccable hair and makeup by Meghna Butani and showcases the artistic styling talents of Maneka Harisinghani.
Palak Tiwari’s Plea for the Oceans
“Aquatic animals deserve to dwell safely in their oceanic homes, just as we deserve security in our own lives,” asserts Tiwari. “My associates at PETA India and I earnestly implore everyone to extend their compassion to marine life and opt exclusively for fish-free sustenance.”
Contemporary scientific research has conclusively established that fish possess the capacity to experience pain and form social bonds. These remarkable creatures exhibit long-lasting memories, engage in cultural practices, and even demonstrate tool usage. Some fish engage in elaborate courtship rituals, creating intricate sand art on the ocean floor to woo potential partners. Nevertheless, it is disheartening to acknowledge that more fish are sacrificed for human consumption annually than all other animal species combined. Regrettably, these sentient beings often meet gruesome fates, enduring impalement, crushing, suffocation, or being gutted while fully conscious.
Beyond the staggering numbers of fish caught, the fishing industry inflicts extensive collateral damage on non-target animals, known as “bycatch.” This includes the tragic deaths of approximately 720,000 seabirds, 300,000 whales and dolphins, and 345,000 seals and sea lions every year. Additionally, a staggering 100 million sharks and rays suffer the same fate, caught as unintended bycatch during fishing operations.
Palak Tiwari: From Screen to Advocacy
Palak Tiwari, recognized for her roles in productions such as “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan,” is set to grace the screen once more in “The Virgin Tree.”
PETA India, guided by the principle that “animals are not ours to eat,” steadfastly opposes speciesism, which upholds a human-supremacist worldview.
In conclusion, Palak Tiwari’s involvement in PETA India’s campaign heralds the start of Vegetarian Awareness Month. By raising awareness about the plight of fish and advocating for their protection, this campaign aims to remind us that we share the planet with diverse forms of life, each deserving of respect and compassion.
