In a landmark move aimed at improving the health and awareness of millions of students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools across India to set up “Sugar Boards.” This initiative stems from a growing concern about the rising intake of added sugars among schoolchildren and is heavily inspired by the viral #SugarBoardMovement started by health influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as FoodPharmer.

The Origins of the Sugar Board Movement

The idea of Sugar Boards didn’t start in a government office—it began with one viral video. In April 2023, Revant Himatsingka exposed the high sugar content (almost 50%) in a popular health drink that was marketed as being good for children. His video struck a nerve, amassing millions of views and sparking a national conversation around food labeling and hidden sugars in everyday products.

Despite backlash, including a legal notice and social media account suspensions, FoodPharmer continued to share educational content around deceptive marketing, health risks of sugar, and the lack of awareness among parents and students. The momentum he built online evolved into the #SugarBoardMovement—an initiative that encouraged schools, colleges, and even corporate offices to display sugar content information on boards placed in cafeterias and hallways.

These “Sugar Boards” featured facts such as:

• Recommended daily sugar intake
• Actual sugar content in popular foods and drinks
• Healthier alternatives to sugary items
• Long-term health risks like obesity, diabetes, and dental problems

The movement soon gained traction with schools across India voluntarily installing Sugar Boards, often sharing before-and-after behavioral changes among students, such as reduced purchase of sugary snacks.

CBSE’s Official Rollout

Recognizing the success and relevance of this grassroots campaign, CBSE issued a directive on May 17, 2025, making Sugar Boards mandatory for all its affiliated schools. With over 25,000 schools and more than 20 million students under its purview, the board’s initiative marks one of the largest school-based public health awareness efforts in India.

Key Requirements of the Circular:

• Every school must set up a visible “Sugar Board” on campus.
• The board must display educational content about sugar limits, dangers of overconsumption, and tips for healthier eating.
• Schools must conduct at least two awareness workshops per term involving students, parents, and teachers.
• Schools are required to submit photos and reports of these activities to CBSE in PDF format by July 15, 2025.

State-Level Support

In parallel, some state governments and local education departments are also taking additional steps. For example, schools in Chandigarh are implementing a ban on the sale of HFSS (High-Fat, Salt, Sugar) foods on their campuses. Other cities are exploring nutrition-focused audits and collaborating with nutritionists to tailor awareness sessions.

Reactions from the Public and Experts

The announcement has been met with widespread support. Nutritionists and child health experts have praised CBSE for taking a proactive stance on combating lifestyle-related diseases in children. Many experts believe that such early interventions can have long-lasting effects, shaping students’ eating habits for life.

Corporate leaders and public figures have also shown support. Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath, for instance, commended the move as a significant step toward building a healthier generation and emphasized the importance of parental involvement at home to reinforce the same values.

However, some public health voices have raised a valid concern: awareness alone may not be enough if sugary products remain easily available in and around schools. They suggest that the next logical step should include regulating or banning high-sugar snacks and drinks from being sold in or near school premises.

The Road Ahead

With the CBSE directive in place, schools are now gearing up to implement Sugar Boards and organize health education programs over the next few weeks. For many students, this will be the first time they’ll learn about how much sugar they’re consuming—and how it affects their bodies.

Meanwhile, FoodPharmer continues to grow the movement, now setting his sights on colleges, universities, and workplaces. He has announced plans for an online toolkit and webinars to help institutions create effective Sugar Boards, backed by visual aids and nutritional facts.

Final Thoughts

The CBSE Sugar Board initiative is more than just a poster on a wall—it’s a cultural shift. It represents the power of grassroots advocacy, social media, and education coming together to tackle one of the biggest hidden threats to children’s health today. If implemented sincerely, this could spark a nationwide movement toward informed eating and better well-being—not just in schools, but in homes and communities across India.