In line with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s directive to address the concerns of childhood obesity and diabetes, several private schools in Telangana affiliated with the state board have initiated awareness campaigns titled “How Much Sugar is Hiding in Your Child’s Diet?”
While CBSE schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas, have been instructed to carry out such initiatives and submit proof of compliance by July 15, the Telangana School Education Department has not issued a similar official directive. Despite this, many private schools under the state board are taking measures to ensure sugar reduction in childrens’ Diet
These initiatives include poster-making competitions, informative displays on health tips, and campaigns advocating nutritious eating habits. All visual materials—posters and charts—are being created by students themselves. Additionally, schools are hosting regular workshops and seminars focused on diabetes and nutrition education.
Madhusudhan, Principal of Pragathi Vidyaniketan in Amberpet, told The New Indian Express, “Although we haven’t received formal instructions from the Telangana School Education Department, we’ve begun several awareness programmes this academic year. With the growing prevalence of childhood diabetes and obesity, we hold monthly orientation sessions for parents to educate them on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and the importance of a healthy diet. We’re also handing out health-focused booklets to senior students and organizing yoga sessions three times a week with help from healthcare consultants.”
Shekar Rao, Adviser to the Telangana Recognised School Management Association (TRSMA), noted, “Many state board schools are adopting practices similar to those mandated by CBSE. We’ve launched workshops where students analyze junk food wrappers, study nutrition labels, and lead peer discussions to foster a deeper understanding of healthy lifestyles. Our aim is to ensure students are actively engaged in learning about their health.”
