Mandira Bedi Joins Himalaya's Muskaan Initiative for Cleft Care Awareness in Ahmedabad

Mandira Bedi has joined Himalaya Wellness Company’s Muskaan initiative, which arrived in Ahmedabad on World Smile Day. Done in partnership with Smile Train, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about cleft conditions and expand access to timely cleft care for children throughout Gujarat.

During the event, Mandira Bedi highlighted the necessity of providing proper treatment and support to children born with cleft conditions, noting the importance of self-belief and confidence in a child's development. She stated that the initiative helps children realize their condition does not have to limit their dreams.

Marking its 12th year, the Muskaan campaign uses the theme ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ in Ahmedabad, utilizing the imagery of a rising kite to symbolize how timely support helps children with cleft conditions. The effort involves a partnership with Smile Train India to focus on comprehensive care, including surgery, nutrition, speech, feeding, and overall development.

Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director of the Consumer Products Division at Himalaya Wellness Company, explained that the initiative has been part of the company's social programs since 2015. Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director of Beauty & Personal Care at Himalaya Wellness, added that the kite theme reflects the spirit of possibility and helps make conversations around cleft care easier.

As part of the outreach, a mobile van will travel through rural and underserved communities across 22 districts in Gujarat to raise awareness and connect eligible children with free cleft surgery and comprehensive care.

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia at Smile Train, emphasized that while surgery takes around 45 minutes, ongoing support with feeding, nutrition, and speech is crucial for a child's journey.