Hyderabad: In a sweeping move to raise awareness about the dangers of added sugar, schools across Hyderabad are putting up “sugar boards”, visual displays that reveal the sugar content in popular packaged foods. The initiative follows a directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued in May 2024, aimed at addressing the growing concerns of childhood obesity and diabetes, reports The Hindu.
With the deadline of July 15 approaching, schools are racing to implement the directive. Along with photos of the boards, schools must also submit proof of awareness activities.
At Vidyanjali High School in Lingampally, the campaign has turned into a hands-on experience. Students are actively collecting wrappers, researching labels, and leading peer education sessions. “Our goal is not just to inform but involve,” said teacher Monali Mahapatra, highlighting how students are now influencing healthy choices at home too.
Across the city, the idea is catching on. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School reports that students are already choosing homemade snacks over packaged foods. “Initially they resisted giving up soft drinks and chocolates, especially during birthdays. Now they are asking questions and making better choices,” said teacher Lakshmi Suvarchala.
Some schools have gone a step further, banning chocolates during birthday celebrations and promoting alternatives like home-cooked treats, book donations, or planting saplings. Parents are also seeing the change. “My child now reads food labels before eating. This change has reached our whole family,” said a parent from Orchid International School in Madhapur.
To broaden the reach, many schools have partnered with NGOs to conduct parent-awareness sessions. At Kendriya Vidyalaya Gachibowli, these sessions are ongoing, with support from staff and parents alike. “There is strong support from staff and parents,” said teacher Vandana, also the PTG in-charge.
The campaign has received a boost from nutrition influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as FoodPharmer, who has been vocal about hidden sugars in children’s foods. “It is a massive shift to see children being taught the basics of health. Sugar boards should be in colleges and offices too,” he said.
From reluctance to growing curiosity, students are beginning to embrace the message. As one Class 5 student at Vidyanjali proudly said, “Now I check the sugar before eating. I even told my brother to stop buying biscuits.”
