Last Updated:June 02, 2025, 14:51 IST
CBSE’s Sugar Boards are more than posters, they’re a catalyst for lifelong healthy habits.
The board’s decision to introduce ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools—eye-catching informational panels displaying the sugar content in everyday snacks and drinks is both timely and commendable.
In an era where rising childhood obesity and early-onset Type 2 diabetes are ringing alarm bells across the globe, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)’s latest directive is a much-needed intervention. The board’s decision to introduce ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools—eye-catching informational panels displaying the sugar content in everyday snacks and drinks—is both timely and commendable. This initiative aims to create awareness and encourage healthier eating habits among school-going children, a demographic increasingly exposed to processed and sugar-laden foods.
Aditi Misra, Director, DPS Gurgaon, DPS International Gurgaon, Dharav High School Ajmer Road, and Dharav High School Gurugram, hails the initiative as a transformative moment in education and child health. “CBSE’s directive to introduce ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools is both timely and commendable, aligning with the broader effort to combat the growing incidence of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes,” she notes. “Today, schools are not only centers of academic learning but also key influencers in promoting the overall well-being of children.”
Misra underscores the role of schools as institutions of holistic development. According to her, visible tools like Sugar Boards can be instrumental in encouraging students to become more mindful of their eating habits. “This initiative offers a valuable opportunity to embed health literacy into everyday learning through workshops, classroom discussions, and comprehensive school-wide wellness programs,” she adds. Her viewpoint emphasizes how such seemingly small steps can evolve into long-term shifts in behavior when supported institutionally.
Echoing this sentiment is Kanak Agarwal, Clinical Nutritionist, SCOD Clinic, who views the move as a progressive and practical solution to a growing crisis. “As a clinical nutritionist, I genuinely believe that the introduction of Sugar Boards in schools by CBSE is a fantastic step forward, all thanks to Revant Himatsingka (popularly known as Foodpharmer),” she says. “Given how often children encounter processed foods and sugary drinks, the need for practical, ongoing nutrition education in schools has never been more important.”
According to Agarwal, the power of these Sugar Boards lies in their simplicity and visual appeal. “These boards will highlight easy-to-understand information—like how much sugar kids should really consume, how much lurks in popular snacks and beverages, and the potential long-term effects of too much sugar on their bodies,” she explains. “This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to spark curiosity and foster healthy discussions about food from an early age.”
She further emphasizes that these boards can be more than just passive posters—they can become active participants in everyday decision-making. “When combined with better options in school canteens and interactive activities, this initiative could really help shape lasting habits,” says Agarwal. For her, the ultimate goal is not compliance but cultural change: “It’s essential for schools to view this as more than just a requirement; it should be embraced as a tool for cultivating lifelong awareness.”
Misra echoes this notion of collective responsibility. “This move marks a crucial shift toward preventative healthcare and underscores the importance of bringing together educators, parents, and policymakers to create a healthier future for the next generation,” she affirms.
Indeed, the Sugar Boards initiative is more than an educational tool, it is a call to action. It urges all stakeholders in a child’s ecosystem to come together in nurturing not just academic excellence, but lifelong well-being. If implemented mindfully, CBSE’s latest health-forward policy could become a landmark moment in reshaping India’s relationship with food, one classroom at a time.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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