According to the National Institute of Health, South Asians are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer when compared with varied ethnicities.  

The India Heritage Museum in Macedon is working to shine a light on health disparities in its most recent exhibit.   

South Asia has had a long-standing tradition of vegetarianism, deeply rooted in religious and cultural practices. 

“Plant-based nutrition is something that we all practice, and we wanted to highlight the need for plant-based nutrition,” India Heritage Museum co-director Hema Bhaskaran said. 

With its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions, the India Heritage Museum is offering a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to following a plant-based diet. 

“The India Heritage Museum has been bringing exhibits on Indian heritage and plant-based diet is very popular in India,” Bhaskaran said. “Many cultures in India follow a plant-based diet. So we thought this would be a good idea to showcase our spices, different spices and different techniques of cooking.” 

Research shows this population, which hails largely from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, are more prone to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer than the general population. In part of genetics but also health behaviors.  

"People getting off the insulin for two weeks, what a phenomenal achievement,” a visitor said. “And that can have a significant impact on people's health. Thirty or 40 million people in the country have diabetes. And if everybody follows this program and gets off their medication, look at what it can do medically.” 

The new exhibit offers visitors informative displays and resources coupled with a series of curated events from cooking demonstrations to yoga classes. 

Organizers advocate for not only a healthier lifestyle but also show the many disparities they often experience.  

“When I came in 1970, in this country, the people went from here to Toronto or New York City, brought their groceries, whatever they lived for a month or two, and that's how we are to do the shopping,” volunteer Sharad Rajguru said. “But since Y2K, more Indians have come in and they are now plenty available.” 

Many guests and organizers shared their own benefits from following a plant-based diet. 

“I’m 86 years old,” Rajguru said. “No sickness, no medication. My knees are good. My health is good. It’s a good lifestyle.”  

Providing a layered experience, the presentation has reflected the vibrant cultural diversity and heritage South Asia has to offer. Hoping its guests will not only transition to a healthier future but a more inclusive one.  

“I’d like to move this exhibition from school to school, and if they agree, then I really would like young people to really pay attention to this and hopefully they can have a long and wonderful, healthy life after that," one visitor said.  

For more information on attending the exhibit or learning more about the India Heritage Museum, you can visit here.