Brooklyn Student Named Finalist in peta2’s 2014 ‘Cutest Vegan Alive’ Contest

As Dumping Meat, Eggs, and Dairy Products Gains Immense Popularity Across the Country, Young People Are Leading the Charge

For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2014

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Brooklyn could soon be in the national spotlight. That’s because 20-year-old Kunal Datta has beaten out dozens of entrants from across the country to be named one of 10 male finalists vying for the title of 2014 Cutest Vegan Alive in the ninth annual contest sponsored by peta2—PETA’s youth division. The final pool consists of 20 finalists—the 10 finalists (five male and five female) who received the highest number of votes, plus 10 finalists (five male and five female) who were selected by peta2. The two winners—one male and one female—will win a professional photo shoot and a chance to star in their own peta2 ad.

“Kunal is determined to make the world a kinder place,” says peta2 Director Marta Holmberg. “People who go vegan show respect for animals, the planet, and their own bodies, and that makes all of them cute in our book.”

Datta went vegan two years ago because he could no longer support the food industry’s cruel treatment of chickens, pigs, cows, and other animals. Now, his favorite foods are black-bean brownies, chickpea burgers, and portobello mushroom burgers. He wears several hats, including rock climber, astronomer, and yoga enthusiast, and he’s a strong advocate of fair trade. Datta admits he loved dairy milk, but that was before he discovered almond milk—and he has never looked back. He enjoys talking with the children in his neighborhood about their food choices and is looking forward to returning to the State University of New York–Geneseo in the fall for his senior year.

peta2 will select the two winners based on several factors, including vote count. See the full contest details here. To view photos of and read more about the finalists, please click here. For more information, please visit peta2.com.