~In partnership with Smile Train India, the initiative aims to connect more families with timely, comprehensive cleft care~
2nd October 2026, Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Smile Day, Himalaya Wellness Company has brought its Muskaan initiative to Ahmedabad, in partnership with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cleft conditions and help children access timely, comprehensive cleft care, including free surgery and follow-up support. Through the initiative, Himalaya aims to reach more children and families across Gujarat with the right information and care that they need for better health, confidence, and opportunity.
Inspired by Ahmedabad’s deep-rooted love for kites, Muskaan marks its 12th year with the kite as the theme. It brings ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ to life through a thought that mirrors the hope of a kite rising higher with the right support. The campaign seeks to highlight how timely, comprehensive cleft care can help children overcome challenges, find their confidence, and look towards new possibilities, while creating greater awareness around cleft conditions.
The campaign also seeks to make the conversation around cleft care more relatable, while highlighting that a smile can represent much more than a moment of happiness, it can mark an important step towards a healthier life. Through its partnership with Smile Train India, the initiative extends beyond surgery to support the broader needs of children born with cleft conditions, including feeding, nutrition, speech, and overall development.
Speaking about the initiative, Actor Mandira Bedi said, “I’ve always believed that confidence and self-belief can change the way we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. For a child born with a cleft condition, having access to the right care and support can be an important part of building that confidence. But what really stays with you are the things that come after, a child going back to school, speaking up, making friends, smiling for a photograph, or simply feeling comfortable being themselves. That is what makes Muskaan meaningful to me. It is not just about the treatment; it is about helping children see that their condition does not have to define them or limit their dreams. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up believing in themselves and finding their own path.”
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said, “Muskaan has been an important part of Himalaya Wellness’ social initiatives since 2015. In our 12th year of association with Smile Train India, bringing Muskaan to Ahmedabad allows us to reach more children and families and build greater awareness and access to cleft care. ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ reflects our belief that with timely treatment and the right support, every child can look ahead with confidence. Beyond surgery, it is important that families understand the care available to them and know where to seek help. Through Muskaan, we hope to continue reaching families, especially in rural and underserved communities, so that more children receive the care they need, at the right time.”
Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness, said, “Ahmedabad’s deep-rooted association with kites gave us a beautiful thought this year: taking flight and reaching for what lies ahead. A kite needs the right support to rise, and so does a child. ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ reflects that spirit of possibility, where a new smile can mark the beginning of greater confidence, participation and hope. Through Muskaan, we want to make conversations around cleft care easier and encourage more families to seek timely support.”
As an extension of the initiative’s efforts to reach communities with limited access to cleft care, a mobile van will travel from village to village across rural and underserved communities across 22 districts of Gujarat, creating awareness about cleft conditions and connecting eligible children with free cleft surgery and comprehensive care. The surgical procedure takes just 45 minutes, enabling eligible children to receive timely treatment and take an important step towards a healthier, more confident future.
Emphasising the importance of timely and comprehensive cleft care, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, Smile Train, added, “Every child born with a cleft deserves timely, comprehensive care and the opportunity to thrive. While surgery is an important part of treatment, it is only one step in a child’s journey. Support with feeding, nutrition, speech, and overall development is equally important. Through initiatives like Muskaan, we want to create greater awareness among families and empower them to seek the right care at the right time, available free of cost at Smile Train treatment partners, so that every child can grow with confidence and reach their full potential.”
Through Muskaan, Himalaya Wellness and Smile Train India continue to work towards reducing gaps in awareness and access to cleft care, helping more children and families understand their options and take the first step towards timely treatment. Families seeking more information or support can call the toll-free helpline at 1800 103 8301. This commitment carries forward, celebrating the possibilities that can emerge when every child receives the care, support and opportunity to look ahead with confidence.
