Gandhi’s quest for peace inspired by meal in the Strand - Archives show Central vegetarian restaurant the key to his beliefs

Published: 06 August 2010
by TOM FOOT

HIS quest for peace has inspired millions of people around the world.

Now researchers at Westminster University say they have uncovered evidence that Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of non violence – “ahisma” – was inspired by a vegetarian meal in a Strand restaurant.

Archive documents reveal how a 22-year-old Gandhi formed his profound philosophical beliefs after dining at the Central vegetarian restaurant in St Bride’s Street.

Researchers at the university’s India Media Centre, based in Regent Street, are calling for a commemorate plaque to be put up outside the now vacant office building.

A spokesman said: “Passers-by would be none-the-wiser as to the building’s historical significance or of its importance to the international icon who once dined there.”

Gandhi had always avoided meat – owing to religious reasons and advice from his mother.

But it was at Central – a venue that was at the forefront of the vegetarian movement at the time – where he developed his dietary code into a profound world belief.

In an interview with The Vegetarian magazine in 1891, the 22-year-old Gandhi said it was at Central that he bought “some vegetarian literature, among which was a copy of A Plea for Vegetarianism by HS Salt. After reading [it] I adopted vegetarianism from principle,” wrote Gandhi.

There are currently two English Heritage Blue Plaques for Gandhi – in Hammersmith and Tower Hamlets – where Gandhi lived.