Howrah, 7th April In a spirited and impactful celebration of World Health Day, Podar International School, Howrah, organised a landmark Health Awareness Rally today morning as part of its newly launched initiative, “Heal the World”.
The rally, taken out at 10:00 a.m., witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and members of the local community.
The rally, from Ankurhati Bus Stop, Andul to Prasastha was conceived with a singular mission – to shed light on the alarming and often underestimated harmful effects of sugar on children and adults alike, and to inspire the wider community to make conscious, healthier choices in daily life.
Students Take to the Streets with Powerful Placards Hundreds of students marched carrying handcrafted placards bearing bold, thought-provoking messages about the ill effects of excessive sugar, from
obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes in children, to heightened risks of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders in adults.
Several placards championed the cause of healthy eating and balanced nutrition, urging families to read food labels, reduce processed sugar intake, and return to wholesome, natural diets.
A particularly popular set of placards highlighted natural, healthier substitutes
for refined sugar, with dates, jaggery, honey, and fresh fruits being prominently
featured as nutritious alternatives that satisfy a sweet tooth without the damaging health consequences of white sugar.
Skit Shines a Spotlight on Sugar and ADHD
One of the most compelling moments of the event was a student-performed skit
that dramatised the connection between excessive sugar consumption and the
aggravation of ADHD symptoms in young children.
The skit traced the journey of a young child whose behavioural patterns, attention span, and emotional regulation were visibly impacted by a diet high in sugar, and the dramatic improvement that followed a switch to healthier eating habits.
The performance drew an engaged and moved response from the audience, driving home the urgency of the message in a format that resonated with parents and children alike.
Shabnam Bhowmick, the principal of Podar International School, Howrah said that “Through our ‘Heal the World’ initiative, we want every child and every family to understand that health begins on the plate.
Sugar is not merely a dietary concern, it is a public health crisis quietly unfolding in our homes and schools.
We owe it to our children to equip them with knowledge and better
choices today, so they can lead longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives tomorrow.”
