PETA India has introduced “Awaaz”, a child-like robot goat designed to encourage people to adopt animal-free food choices and promote vegan eating habits.
According to the organisation, the realistic-looking robotic goat engages passersby—particularly children and students—in interactive conversations in both Hindi and English. It asks questions such as: “Do you consider me a friend or food?”
In a promotional video released by the organisation, Awaaz is seen speaking gently to the public, saying: “Some people think we are food, or that our lives can be taken. But my life means something special to me, just like yours is valuable to you.”
Campaign to Visit Colleges and Public Spaces
The initiative comes as PETA India intensifies campaigns around animal welfare and food choices. The organisation said Awaaz will visit college campuses and city centres across the country to interact with members of the public and encourage what it described as “slaughter-free expressions of sacrifice.”
Push for Plant-Based Alternatives
PETA India said the robot goat aims to encourage people to choose plant-based alternatives such as jackfruit, tofu, mushrooms and mock meat products instead of consuming animals.
In a statement, the organisation said goats, like humans, experience pain and fear and do not want to be harmed.
“Like humans, goats feel pain and fear, and they don’t want to be killed,” it said.
Health and Environmental Arguments Cited
The animal rights group also linked vegan eating to health and environmental concerns, claiming that individuals who adopt a vegan lifestyle can spare the lives of nearly 200 animals annually while reducing risks associated with diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
PETA India further cited environmental concerns, arguing that animal agriculture contributes significantly to water pollution and excessive land and water use. It said global climate assessments have highlighted plant-based diets as one approach to addressing environmental challenges.
