Revant Himatsingka receives honorary doctorate from Medi-Caps university

Revant Himatsingka, also known as Foodpharmer, receives an honorary doctorate from Medi-Caps University for his pioneering efforts in promoting transparency and accountability in the food industry.

Medi-Caps University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate upon Revant Himatsingka aka Foodpharmer, recognizing his groundbreaking work in promoting transparency and accountability within the food industry and his contribution to India’s health. Medi-Caps University, known for its emphasis on fostering innovation and excellence in science, technology, and management, has established itself as a leader in promoting research and education that address critical global challenges. Moreover, they conferred an honorary doctorate for the first time in the university's history. 

Widely celebrated as an influential voice in the health sector, Himatsingka has relentlessly championed consumer awareness, spearheading initiatives that challenge the status quo and expose the deceptive marketing practices of some of the world’s largest FMCG companies. In spite of facing eight defamation lawsuits and, two 6-month imprisonment charges, Himatsingka’s efforts have led to tangible changes in the food industry, namely: Mondelez lowering Bournvita’s sugar content by 15%, Maggi slashing its ketchup’s sugar content by 22%, Pepsico lowering its palm oil content from Lays chips, and Nestle launching Cerelac without any refined sugar in India.

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Ranked No. 1 on the Most Influential Indians list on LinkedIn 2024 and featured as a Forbes India Cover Star, Himatsingka’s dedication to transforming the food industry has captured national and global attention. His campaign Label Padhega India (India Will Read Labels) sparked a nationwide movement and is considered the largest consumer awareness effort since "Jaago Grahak Jaago” by Economic Times. Meanwhile his “Sugarboard Movement” created awareness regarding high sugar content in packaged food and its implications among school-going children and has been adopted by 5000+ schools.

Speaking on the occasion, Himatsingka expressed his gratitude for the honor, emphasizing the vital role of food in shaping public health. “Food constitutes 60-70 percent of what determines our health,” he noted. “Unfortunately, packaged foods today are a far cry from the wholesome meals our grandparents enjoyed. Most of these products are ultra-processed, laden with sugar, fat, and salt, and marketed under the guise of health.”

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His tireless efforts to expose junk food masquerading as healthy options have brought attention to the alarming links between processed foods and life-threatening conditions like cancer and heart disease. He cites a 2019 British Medical Journal study that highlighted the association between ultra-processed foods and increased cancer risks, calling for urgent action to combat this epidemic.

“This is such a big problem, and no one is addressing it,” Himatsingka said. “But solving it begins with education. Teaching people how to read a food label is perhaps one of the most important skills of the 21st century, especially when most of our diets consist of processed or packaged foods.”

Himatsingka’s advocacy has garnered support from influential organizations such as the Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest India (NAPi), a think tank comprising independent experts in nutrition and public health. NAPi’s endorsement underscores the significance of his mission to empower consumers through knowledge and accountability. One of his wins was also added to the IAS Curriculum, educating budding nation-makers with the power of social media to create movements and impact people’s lives positively. His work is widely recognized with six case studies published on his work, including one by Harvard Business Publishing.

From challenging industry giants to equipping everyday consumers with the tools to make informed choices, Revant Himatsingka has proven to be a transformative force in public health advocacy. This honorary doctorate is not only proof of his remarkable contributions but also a call to action for industry leaders and policymakers to join the movement for a healthier, more transparent food ecosystem. “This has been the biggest honor I have ever received,” Revant expressed. “It hasn’t been an easy journey to fight all these legal battles, but this milestone has only made me more grateful and motivated to continue fighting for India’s health.”

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