Los Angeles Times
Paul McCartney asks India's prime minister to declare a national Vegetarian Day
January 4, 2011 | 3:14 pm
NEW DELHI - Outspoken vegetarian Paul McCartney is urging India to declare a national Vegetarian Day to celebrate meat-free living and compassion toward animals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said McCartney sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying such a day could save animals while helping to protect both the environment and people's health.
McCartney's letter said "it would be a celebration of life."
The United Nations food agency in 2003 estimated that 42% of India's 1.2 billion people are vegetarian, mostly because of financial and religious concerns. Strict Hindus and Jains do not eat meat.
Singh's office could not immediately confirm receipt of McCartney's letter Tuesday.