8 years. 3 PILs. Countless sleepless nights.
That’s how long it took Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a pediatrician from Tamil Nadu, to fight a battle that few even noticed a battle against deceptive “ORS” drinks that were harming millions of children across India.
What looked like harmless, sweet-tasting beverages on store shelves were, in reality, sugar-loaded drinks falsely marketed as Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). These so-called “energy” or “hydration” drinks contained little to no electrolytes the essential salts needed to prevent dehydration during diarrheal illness. Instead, they packed dangerous levels of sugar that could worsen dehydration, putting children’s lives at risk.
But while many turned a blind eye, one woman decided she couldn’t.
The Beginning of a Lone Battle
It started with a pattern Dr. Santosh noticed in her clinic.
Children were arriving with severe dehydration despite being given “ORS” drinks by their parents. Shocked, she began studying the labels and testing the contents of these beverages. What she found was alarming most of these drinks didn’t meet WHO’s standards for ORS at all.
They were cleverly branded, attractively packaged, and widely sold, misleading consumers into believing they were safe.
So, Dr. Santosh took the issue to the courts.
Three PILs and Years of Relentless Advocacy
Filing not one, but three Public Interest Litigations (PILs), she challenged powerful companies and demanded that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) take action against fake ORS products.
For eight long years, she faced delays, rejections, and immense pressure. Yet, she persisted gathering data, presenting research, and continuing to treat children in her clinic while fighting for systemic change.
Her goal was simple but profound: to protect children from harm and hold corporations accountable.
Victory for Millions
In 2025, her unwavering determination finally paid off.
After reviewing the evidence and years of advocacy, FSSAI banned the sale of misleading “ORS” drinks that did not meet prescribed medical standards.
This victory is more than just a policy change it’s a lifesaving milestone.
Millions of children across India are now safer from the dangers of high-sugar, fake ORS drinks. And parents are better informed about what true oral rehydration therapy means.
The Power of One Voice
Dr. Sivaranjani’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t always come from power it comes from persistence.
She didn’t have corporate backing or political influence.
What she had was conviction, compassion, and courage the belief that doing what’s right is worth every obstacle.
Her journey shows that even in a world dominated by big brands and bureaucracy, one determined individual can make the system listen, learn, and change.
A Lesson for All of Us This Friday
Every Friday is a chance to pause and reflect not just on the week behind us, but on the kind of difference we can make going forward.
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh’s story teaches us:
- Persistence beats power.
- Truth needs a voice.
- Courage can rewrite policies.
So today, as you step into your weekend, remember real change doesn’t start in boardrooms or headlines. It starts when one person decides they won’t look away.
One woman’s courage saved millions.
What could your courage do?
Source: Better India
