Lenin Raghuvanshi * Mander, Distt Vighnoe Commies on Food Security & Bonded Labour, Varanasi Bas *2001 Ashok Feliow, USA facelor of Ayrvade, Modern Medicine and Surgery + 2007 Gwangju Human Rights Award, South Korea + 2008 ACHA Star Peace Award, USA e@ttorot zyceht “210 reason as Awad ARRARA. +2016 M.A. Thomas Human Rights Award, India ampere 12017 Wockhard Chi Rights Activist Award, India + 2022 Giobal Pluralism Prize, Special Mention, Canada S Jan. Bay Subject: Appreciation for the Detailed Report on the National Legislators Conference 2023 and Call to Address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Dear Shri Rahul V. Karad Ji, | trust this letter finds you in excellent health and high spirits. Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for providing the detailed report of the National Legislators’ Conference 2023. | commend the commendable efforts of the MIT School of Government in creating a pivotal platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, The enclosed comprehensive report impeccably captures the diverse discussions and recommendations that emerged during the conference. | am deeply impressed by the commitment of the participants and the collective wisdom shared to address the multifaceted challenges faced by our nation. Your acknowledgment of our support is genuinely appreciated, and | wish to assure you of our unwavering commitment to your altruistic mission. | eagerly look forward to engaging in further discussions and extending any assistance that aligns with the noble objectives of the National Legislators' Conference. Turning to the critical issue of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), | share deep concern about the rising prevalence, particularly among the youth. The insights provided by NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) into the role of unhealthy dietary habits in contributing to the NCD epidemic are invaluable. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort, and | am resolutely committed to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of our nation, Bharat. The data you presented on childhood obesity and the efforts of FSSAI are indeed alarming and underscore the urgent need for transformative action. | wholeheartedly acknowledge the importance of scientific evidence-based warning label front-of-pack labeling regulations to empower consumers and encourage healthier food choices. | am well aware of the supportive studies from esteemed institutions like AIMS, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the International Institute of Population Science. Contact : SA 4/2A, Daulatpur, Varanasi-221002, INDIA, Mob.: +91-9935599333, 9935599331 E-mail: lenin@pvchr.asia, Blog : www lenin-shruti, blogspot.com Website : www.leninraghuvanshi.com , Wikipedia ; https://en wikipedia org/wiki/Lenin_RaghuvanshiAt this critical juncture, India is grappling with the complexities of childhood obesity, affecting nearly 15 million children and positioning our country as the second-highest in childhood obesity rates globally, following China. The surge in ultra-processed packaged food consumption, loaded with salt, sugar, and saturated fats, has become a major health concern. Recent data from the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 reveals a 60% surge in childhood obesity over the past five years. Additionally, adults aged 15 to 49 face a prevalent concern of obesity, affecting around 25% of both men and women. The survey also highlights a disturbing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among youths, underscoring the urgency for transformative action. FSSAI, for the last many years, has been working on the proposal to formulate a scientific evidence-based front-of-pack labeling regulation for processed and ultra-processed packaged food products. This regulation aims to help consumers identify unhealthy food products and encourage food manufacturers to produce and market healthier alternatives. The regulation should include a label that clearly warns consumers if the food product is harmful-to their health due to the high presence of saturated fats, trans-fat, salt, and sugar. The efforts of FSSAI need strong political support from you to ensure the health and well-being of children and youths are protected and secured. The efforts of FSSAI have received robust support from institutions of national excellence like AIIMS, the National Institute of Nutrition, and the International Institute of Population Science, providing strong supportive evidence in favor of scientific warning label-based FOPL. All these studies are available in the public domain and suggest that India should adopt global best practices to protect the nutritional well-being of its citizens, particularly children and youths. In light of this, | express my support for the advocacy of scientific evidence- based warning label FOPL regulations for unregulated packaged foods, with a specific focus on the health rights of children, youth, and mothers. | am dedicated to actively working towards promoting this cause and endeavor to include it in the election manifesto of various political parties for the upcoming parliamentary election. Please mobilize your contacts or make an appeal for the inclusion of a warning label Front of Package label (FOPL) for unregulated packaged food to curb deaths due to NCDs. It is noted that 60% of deaths in Bharat are happening due to NCDs according to NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey).https://english.junputh.com/open- times-of-covid, Please find the link to my article: space/strong-fopl-policy-needed-for-tackling-malnutritior https://junputh.com/column/chhaan-ghont-ke-malnutrition-nutrient-profiling- front-pack-labelliny Thank you for bringing this significant initiative for legislators to my attention, and | deeply appreciate your ongoing commitment to the welfare of our nation. Together, | am confident that we can make a substantial impact on the health and well-being of our citizens. Yous sincere oe WS / (Dr: Lenin Raghuvanshi) Founder and CEO Peoples's Vigilance Com