Ranchi: It will be a bittersweet start to New Year for students of DAV Public School in Gandhi Nagar, Ranchi.

Over 400 students from KG to Class X of the capital cradle were advised not to consume sugar or any sweet items during an hour-long programme on Tuesday.

Voluntary organisation Students' Oxygen Movement (SOM), which has been working for the last 14 years to create awareness on various social issues, reached the school on Tuesday to spread awareness about the harmful effects of sugar as part of their Quit Sugar Campaign.

When the members of the outfit were busy explaining the effects of over-consumption of sugary items like chocolates and ice cream, a Class II student was quick to retaliate, "If we cannot consume sugar then what sweet item can we have," he asked, to which he was suggested to replace sugar with jaggery.

Chief coordinator of Students' Oxygen Movement Varsha Dubey said the programme was part of their month-long campaign. "For last one month we have been visiting various schools across the city to spread awareness against excessive consumption of sugar. We have received a good response so far," said Dubey.

He added, "Children are more prone to consuming chocolates, ice cream and all kinds of sweet items. Excessive consumption of sugar leads to diabetes, blood pressure and teeth problems, among others. This further affects the kidney, eyes and skin. If children start taking care of their health from an early age then they won't face any future complications."

Students sounded motivated after attending the programme. "Chocolates are like my guilty pleasure. But after coming to know the harm sugar can do to our body, I will be more careful," said Kishan Kumar, a Class VIII student.