The Traveling Jain Campaign

On 30th December, 2012, Shashank heard these words from his Enlightened Spiritual Master, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, that reshaped his life: “તું નિગોદમાં પણ જઈ શકે છે — you too can go into Nigod.”

Meaning – “You too can be born as a Nigod lifeform.” In Jain philosophy, root and bulb vegetables like potato, onion, garlic, carrot, radish, etc. are considered Nigod lifeforms. That single sentence became the seed of everything that followed.

Shashank resolved instantly to give up all root vegetables and other foods forbidden in Jainism, including fig, brinjal (never consumed in life), sabudana (sago), honey (never consumed in life), etc. It wasn’t easy. Jain food awareness barely existed in trekking or mountaineering circles back then, and through 2013-2015, he had to eat non-Jain meals (only during expeditions, mountaineering courses) out of necessity, always with quiet and deep regret.

The turning point came in 2016 on a trek to Har-ki-Dun, where Jain food was finally available on trail — planting the real roots of this Campaign. In 2022, at Everest Base Camp, he announced his intention to build something bigger. The Mission found its name during the 2024 Warwan Valley trek, and in 2025, from the summit of Pin Parvati Pass trek, Shashank officially launched the Traveling Jain Campaign — making Jain food accessible for every trekker – traveler – adventurer who refuses to compromise faith for passion.