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Simon Parkes explores Jainism as one of the roots of Vegetarianism. Non-violence is the foundation of this religion and philosophy and determines the strict vegetarian way of eating and living. Simon meets Jains in India and in Britain and finds out how difficult it is to adhere to the principles in the UK of the 21st century.

Reading taken from Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found by Suketu Mehta.

Simon Parkes is joined in the studio by author of 50 Great Curries of India,Camellia Panjabi and novelist and author of The Heretic’s Feast – A History of Vegetarianism, Colin Spencer.

Simon Parkes visits the Parekh family in Calcutta and talks to Devendra Parekh and his mother Karuna as lunch preparations are getting under way.

Simon Parkes visits the Jain Temple in Leicester during a 9 day fasting period which coincided with the birthday anniversary of Lord Mahavira. He talks to Usha Mehta at home in Leicester.