Lifelong Vegetarian Credits Grandfather With Giving Him Lasting Words of Wisdom
For Immediate Release:
April 30, 2012
Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382
Savannah, Ga. -- The competition to be named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Next Door is heating up, and 23-year-old Savannah resident Mitul Patel just may take home the grand prize. He has beaten out hundreds of other entrants from across the U.S. to become one of 10 male contestants to advance to the final round in PETA's contest. Two lucky winners (one male and one female) will each receive a free trip to Hawaii, courtesy of the PETA Member Advantage Program.
"On average, vegetarians are slimmer and healthier than meat-eaters are—and they save more than 100 animals a year from the violence of factory farms, slaughterhouses, and fishing nets," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "One look at our radiant finalists proves that there's nothing sexier than kindness."
Patel was born into a Hindu vegetarian family in India, and as an adult, he has reaffirmed his commitment to a compassionate and healthful vegetarian lifestyle. He has made his grandfather's words his own personal slogan for why he refuses to eat meat: "It's not moral or humanlike to kill someone else to fill up your own tummy." Patel, who is studying to be a pharmacist, says he has always enjoyed good health and has always been a healthy weight. He enjoys painting, singing, modeling, running, working out, and doing yoga. He speaks English, Gujarati, and Hindi and can read and write Sanskrit. Out of respect for animals, Patel also avoids leather, fur, and any other clothing made from animals.
To see photos of Patel and the other sexy vegetarian finalists, please click here. The voting—which can be done on PETA's website and by texting—ends on May 14, and the two winners will be announced on May 21.
Patel is available for interviews upon request. For more information and to vote in the contest, please visit PETA.org or click here.
Three factors will be given equal consideration when PETA chooses the winners: the number of votes received from the public, the enthusiasm demonstrated by the entrants in living and promoting a vegetarian lifestyle, and PETA's assessment of entrants' attractiveness.