Organic food nourishes the body and purifies the spirit, not just of the individual but also of our planet. Here is the what, why and how of organics – to make your transition to organic, swifter and smoother

Shrikumar Poddar: 68 going on 48

For over 15 years now, he has not put a grain of 'poisoned', as he calls it, non-organic food in his mouth. 68-year-old Shrikumar Poddar, a retired businessperson, says he has never felt younger or more energetic before. He shares that his health – physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual – has come to an all-time high due a single decision made years ago – to eat only, and only, organic food. While many of us buy a few organic foods, we have neither the patience nor the determination to go entirely organic. For Poddar, watching a 15-minute documentary on the devastating effects of foods laden with chemicals was enough to take this life-altering decision. Initially his family was unwilling to change over to the organic way so he simply told them, "Okay, you keep destroying your health and the planet's health too, but I won't. Let there be two varieties of food made every day in the kitchen – organic for me, non-organic for you." Frustrated by this complicated regimen, his family finally gave in and today all of them enjoy higher levels of vitality, thanks to him.

Does he ever get bored of organic food? Poddar says that the question itself does not arise because he continues to enjoy all the delicacies he did before, only now they are healthier. He has managed to build contacts with several organic farmers and all that he needs is delivered to his house. Recently, for his mother's birthday 39 dishes were made – yes, all pure organic and lip-smackingly delicious. All the 500 guests present there found themselves returning home with more food for thought than they had ever imagined!