PIPAL: People’s Initiative for Participatory Action for food Labelling

Shruti Nagvanshi , a prominent activist committed to advancing the nutritional rights of children, youths, and mothers, recently penned an op-ed shedding light on the significance of micro-nutrients like Potassium and Magnesium found in Custard apples (शरीफा). Her article delves into the crucial role these nutrients play in controlling blood pressure and improving blood circulation. Nagvanshi's writing takes a unique approach by framing the discourse around nutritional rights and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) as an organic solution. She challenges the conventional agenda-setting process and advocates for a perspective that prioritizes holistic well-being. The narrative aligns with the efforts of organizations like PVCHR (People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights) and PIPAL ( The People's Initiative for Participatory Action for Food Labelling ) who are actively engaged in the fight for nutritional rights. Their focus extends to reducing deaths caused by Non-Communica...

We executed a highly successful media engagement strategy, securing coverage from a diverse array of outlets— 17 print,1 OPED and 26 digital platforms , to be precise. Our outreach extended far and wide, encompassing renowned national publications such as Kanwhizz Times, Hindustan Times, Jagran, TOI, The Statesman, Outlook India, Sanmarg, Counterview, YKA, NewsClick, and The Hindu Business Line. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) lent significant credence to our press conference by emphasizing its coverage in various news articles, prominently featured in The Statesman, Amit Vichar, and Hindustan Times, both in print and on their respective websites, on November 25th and 26th. For further validation, the NHRC's official documents on the matter can be accessed via the following links: November 25th: Link November 26th: Link MSN, a widely-read platform, also contributed to the dissemination of our message. The news article on NHRC's notice to FSSAI can be found here: Lin...

On December 19, 2023, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the National President of Rashtriya Lok Dal and Member of Rajya Sabha, raised a pertinent query in the upper house of Parliament. His inquiry revolved around the Government's stance on implementing a comprehensive definition for "healthy foods" in the country, with the aim of preventing companies from devising their own definitions. The specific queries posed by Shri Jayant Chaudhary were as follows: (a) Whether the Government has plans to introduce a comprehensive definition of "healthy foods," and (b) If so, the details thereof, including potential guidelines, considerations for imposing separate taxes on unhealthy foods, especially those marketed towards children, etc. (c) If not, the reasons for not pursuing such plans. It is noteworthy that our commitment to addressing and advancing on the concerns raised by Shri Jayant Chaudhary was evident through regular meetings and communication on this matter. In his capaci...

  A meeting was convened with six Members of Parliament, comprising four of our champion MPs and two new members, Dr. Mohammad Jawed, Member of Parliament from Kisanga, Bihar, and Shri Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Member of Parliament Rajyasabha & Former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, two political think-tank representatives and political leaders were present. Unfortunately, our initial plans for in-person meetings were disrupted by an unfortunate incident in the Parliament. However, we proceeded with virtual engagement, contacting the remaining MPs by phone. During the discussions, we handed over letters to the MPs, urging them to raise the issue at the standing committee meeting. Furthermore, we requested them to forward the letters to the Election Manifesto Committee for the inclusion of the Front of Packet Labelling (FOPWL) issue in the election manifesto. 11 th December, 2023 Meeting with Dr Sanghamitra Maurya Member of Parliament Badau Loksabha & Mem...

The official Facebook page of the Right to Food Campaign, with 11,000 followers, has announced an upcoming webinar titled "Conflict of Interest in the Food System" with a specific focus on the warning labels for Front-of-Packaging Labels (FOPL). Details: Renowned activist Lenin Raghuvanshi led the discussion, covering crucial topics such as NFHS data, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and the impact of unregulated ultra-processed foods. Raghuvanshi emphasized that 60% of deaths are attributed to NCDs according to NFHS data. Additionally, he discussed the recent directive from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding warning labels for FOPL. For more information, visit the post on their Facebook page: Link 7 दिसम्बर 2023 के  शाम 6 बजे रोज़ी रोटी अधिकार अभियान आपको वेबिनार में आमंत्रित करता है  खाद्य व्यवस्था में हितों का टकराव  वक्ता   डॉ. वंदना प्रसाद ,पब्लिक हेल्थ संसाधन सोसायटी, भोजन का अधिकार अभियान   श्रीगिरीश जलिहाल,रिपोर्टर्स कलेक्ट...

  Unveiling the Path to a Healthier India: The Urgent Need for Front-of-Package Labeling In the December 2023 edition of the leading Hindi monthly magazine, Lucknow Junction , Lenin Raghuvanshi pens an impactful op-ed, sharing a deeply personal journey that has fueled his commitment to advocating for a healthier India. In a world where time constraints and demanding schedules push many towards processed foods, Raghuvanshi's narrative highlights the far-reaching consequences of such dietary choices. A Personal Awakening: Navigating Health Challenges in the Wake of COVID-19 Raghuvanshi's op-ed opens with a poignant account of his own health crisis, a consequence of relying on packaged foods. The struggles he faced during a 12-day stay in the ICU due to COVID-19 serve as a wake-up call, compelling him to reevaluate the impact of dietary choices on immunity and overall health. This personal revelation propels him into action, sparking a campaign to address the pervasive issues asso...

I n the heartland of community development and nutrition advocacy, a significant stride has been made by Ms. Shruti through her recently authored #OPED published in the Hindi Monthly Magazine, Lucknow Junction . The focus of her insightful piece is the transformative impact of kitchen gardens on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (#KAP) of #Musahar communities, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal role of women. Changing the KAP of Musahar Communities Ms. Shruti's article serves as a beacon, guiding readers through the realms of change within Musahar communities. Kitchen gardens, it seems, are more than just plots of land adorned with vegetables; they are catalysts for altering the very fabric of societal practices. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, she unravels the layers of tradition and societal norms that kitchen gardens can reshape. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Musahar communities are profoundly impacted by the introduction...

  We extend our heartfelt gratitude for featuring Lenin Raghuvanshi's appeal in esteemed publication, Manywar, on the occasion of the Diwali festival. Your commitment to shedding light on critical issues is truly commendable. As we collectively celebrate the festival of lights, we are reminded of the importance of illuminating not only our homes but also the path to a healthier society. Lenin Raghuvanshi and the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) are deeply thankful for your support in bringing attention to the urgent need for Front-of-Pack Warning Labels (FOPL) to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This platform plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and fostering dialogue on matters that impact public health. We are optimistic that its readers will be inspired to join us in advocating for FOPL, contributing to a collective effort to reduce NCD-related deaths.