Muskaan Campaign Takes Free Cleft Care To 22 Gujarat Districts
Himalaya’s Muskaan Campaign Aims To Help Families Find Free Surgery And Follow-up Care
Mobile van initiative in partnership with Smile Train India aims to reach rural families, while the Ahmedabad campaign uses kite-flying to spread awareness about cleft conditions.
Children born with a cleft lip often face difficulties with feeding, speaking, breathing and social life. For families living in villages with limited healthcare services, finding the right treatment can be another challenge. Himalaya Wellness Company is taking steps to address this problem through its ‘Muskaan’ campaign, which has reached Ahmedabad as part of its partnership with Smile Train India.
Launched on the occasion of World Smile Day, the campaign will use a mobile van to reach communities in 22 districts of Gujarat. It will travel through rural and remote areas, spread awareness about cleft conditions and connect eligible children with free surgery and further medical care.
The initiative marks the 12th year of the partnership between Himalaya Wellness and Smile Train India. The campaign began in 2015 and aims to help more families understand the treatment available for children born with cleft lip and palate conditions.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth conditions that develop when parts of a baby’s face do not join fully during pregnancy. A cleft lip creates an opening in the upper lip, while a cleft palate affects the roof of the mouth. Some children have one of these conditions, while others have both.
Smile Train India estimates that more than 35,000 babies are born with cleft conditions in India every year. These conditions can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak and hear. Without proper care, some children may also face poor nutrition and social difficulties.
Smile Train India works with hospitals and medical teams to provide free treatment to children who need financial support. Its network includes more than 150 partner hospitals and over 250 approved doctors, according to its published information.
The campaign has chosen kites as its theme this year, drawing on Ahmedabad’s long-standing association with kite-flying. The message, ‘A New Smile’, links the support needed to fly a kite with the care children need to grow with confidence.
Mandira Bedi, who is associated with the campaign, spoke about the role treatment can play in a child’s life.
“I have always believed that confidence and self-belief can change how we see ourselves and what we think we can achieve. For a child born with a cleft condition, getting the right treatment and support can play an important role in building that confidence.
“But what really stays with you are the moments after treatment. It is when a child returns to school, speaks freely, makes friends, smiles in photographs or simply feels comfortable being themselves.
“For me, these are the things that make ‘Muskaan’ meaningful. It is about more than treatment. It is about helping children understand that their condition does not define who they are or limit their dreams. Every child should have the chance to grow up believing in themselves and making their own way in life.”
Himalaya Wellness Company says the programme has been part of its social initiatives since 2015. Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director of its Consumer Products Division, said “the Ahmedabad campaign would help the organisation reach more families, particularly in areas where healthcare services are difficult to access.”
He said, “‘A New Smile’ reflects our belief that timely treatment and the right support can help every child look towards the future with confidence.
Along with surgery, families also need the right information about the care available to them. They should know where to go for help. Through ‘Muskaan’, we want to continue reaching families, especially those in rural areas and places where healthcare services are limited. We aim to help more children get the care they need at the right time.”
“Ahmedabad’s strong connection with kites has given us a lovely idea for this year: flying high and looking ahead to new possibilities.
“A kite needs the right support to fly high, and so does a child. ‘A New Smile’ represents this sense of hope and possibility. A new smile can mark the start of greater confidence, participation and hope.
“Through ‘Muskaan’, we want to make conversations about cleft lip care easier and encourage more families to seek help at the right time.”
The campaign also draws attention to the importance of early treatment. According to Smile Train India, a cleft lip operation can take as little as 45 minutes. However, doctors must assess each child before surgery and decide on the right treatment plan. Follow-up care remains important for the child’s development.
Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia at Smile Train, said:
“Every child born with a cleft condition should have access to timely and complete care and the chance to grow and do well in life.
“While surgery is an important part of treatment, it is only one step in a child’s full treatment journey. Support with feeding, nutrition, speech and overall development is just as important.
“Through campaigns like ‘Muskaan’, we want to raise awareness among families and help them get the right treatment at the right time. This treatment is completely free through Smile Train’s treatment partners. We aim to help every child move forward with confidence and reach their full potential.”
Families seeking information or treatment support can call the toll-free helpline 1800 103 8301. The service can guide them towards suitable treatment centres.
The Gujarat campaign places special attention on families living far from hospitals and specialist medical services. Its reach across 22 districts will depend on connecting communities with the right information and helping eligible children reach treatment centres.
For families who have been unsure about where to seek help, access to clear information and free treatment could make an important difference to a child’s health and daily life.
