Vote for Odia girl as PETA’s Cutest Vegetarian

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28:

Chennai based Odia girl Smruti Smita Mohapatra is definitely cute and a vegetarian, no wonder, she is a finalist in the PETA 2015 ‘Cutest Vegetarian Next Door’ contest.

The 24 year-old veterinary doctor is currently pursuing her PG final year from Madras Veterinary College in Chennai.

She has done her bachelor’s in veterinary sciences from OUAT in Bhubaneswar. Before moving to Chennai for further studies she stayed with her parents, both OMFED employees in Kalinga Vihar, Bhubaneswar.

Turning into a vegetarian was not a sudden decision for the enthusiastic animal lover. What the study of animals could not convince her was done by attending a PETA workshop followed by a visit to the local the slaughter house.

“I attended a PETA workshop two years ago, it was very good and I was convinced about turning into a vegetarian, but this was neither forced nor sudden. I gradually stopped eating non vegetarian food.”

“Now completely vegetarian, I do not have cravings for non vegetarian food. I also feel lots of people believe they will lack options being a vegetarian, especially while eating out. But it’s not true, you can get vegetarian food everywhere, even in McDonalds or CCD,” said Mohapatra.

My father and twin sister, who works as an architect in Dubai are both non-vegetarians while my mother is a vegetarian, she adds.

The solo traveller, who had earlier shaved her head to support cancer patients , says “Vegetarianism is a right and healthy diet option. But, it should not be forced upon someone.”

A vegetarian since last two years Smurti has been selected as finalist in the ‘Cutest Vegetarian Next Door’ contest conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The 20 finalists, 10 girls and 10 guys can be voted for by filling a form in the PETA website till 5:30 pm October 28^th.

http://www.petaindia.com/features/vote-for-cutest-vegetarian-next-door/

The winner will be crowned on 2nd November 2015.