Latest news with #SmileTrainIndia
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Statewide ‘Maha Smiles' Initiative to be Launched from Nagpur
Nagpur: A major state-level health initiative titled 'Maha Smiles – Cleft Awareness and Treatment Campaign' is set to launch from Nagpur on July 31, aiming to bring free surgical treatment and awareness for children born with cleft lips and palates, particularly in the underserved regions of Vidarbha. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with international NGO Smile Train India and Bajaj Finserv, under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. It was initiated after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to corporate companies to work in this field. The campaign is not merely a medical drive but a transformative social movement expected to restore smiles and confidence to thousands of affected children. As part of the first phase, three specially equipped mobile vans will travel across all 11 districts of Vidarbha over the next 90 days, spreading awareness about cleft conditions, providing early diagnosis, and facilitating free registration for surgical intervention. Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha. Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions affecting approximately 1 in every 700 births, causing gaps in the upper lip and/or roof of the mouth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Without timely treatment, children may face serious complications such as hearing loss, speech difficulties, malnutrition, and social isolation. However, with appropriate surgical care —often requiring multiple operations — children can go on to lead completely normal lives. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of treatment, many children from economically weaker sections remain untreated. This initiative will ensure entirely free surgeries for such families, removing financial barriers to care. Experts highlight that along with treatment, public awareness is critical to ensure early detection and timely medical help. 'Maha Smiles' is designed to bridge this gap, especially targeting rural and tribal communities, where lack of information often leads to delayed or no intervention. Box BRINGING BACK SMILES * The statewide mission launch is scheduled for 11am-12.30pm on July 31 * Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Hospital Khapri will be the venue * 3 mobile vans will travel across Vidarbha for the next 90 days * Vans will conduct diagnosis, free registration for surgical intervention * Surgeries will be conducted at partner hospitals in Nagpur, Gondia, Akola, and Wardha Quote Through the Maha Smiles campaign, we will ensure that no child in Maharashtra suffers the pain or isolation of an untreated cleft. This is not just about surgery — it is about restoring confidence, dignity, and hope to thousands of families Devendra Fadnavis | Chief Minister
Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
VMPL Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 21: In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. "I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day," said Gangireddy,. "Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region." As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. "Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,"said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia."There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals." Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, "A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts." Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.
The Wire
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Wire
Smile Train India Announces Actress Pavani Gangireddy as New Goodwill Ambassador in Honor of World Cleft Awareness Day
Renowned Telugu actress pledges support to raise cleft awareness, break stigma, and promote inclusion for children with clefts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad, July 21, 2025 — In a move to help transform more lives and build awareness, Smile Train India, the country's largest cleft-focused organization, announces acclaimed actress and influencer Pavani Gangireddy as its new Goodwill Ambassador for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The appointment was made today during a special orientation event held at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Hyderabad. The partnership coincides with the global launch of World Cleft Awareness Day on July 20, a day officially registered by Smile Train to celebrate the strength of cleft-affected individuals and their families worldwide. During her visit, Gangireddy learned about Smile Train's sustainable cleft care model, met with local medical partners and engaged with patients and families who have benefited from Smile Train's free cleft treatment program. 'I'm honoured to join hands with Smile Train India at the launch of the first World Cleft Awareness Day,' said Gangireddy,. 'Meeting the children and hearing their stories today was deeply moving. It's evident how critical timely cleft treatment is, not just for physical health, but for self-esteem and social acceptance. I hope to use my voice to spread awareness and help end the stigma across the region.' As a Goodwill Ambassador, Gangireddy will be actively involved in Smile Train India's awareness campaigns and community engagement programs, supporting initiatives across maternal and child health and cleft care. 'Pavani's strong regional connection and compassionate voice makes her a powerful advocate for the cause,'said Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Asia.'There are many children who still struggle to eat, breathe and speak properly due to delayed treatment. Pavani's support will help us reach families who may still be unaware that free and quality cleft care is available for their children at Smile Train' partner hospitals.' Dr. Mukund Reddy, Plastic Surgeon & Smile Train Project Director at Basvatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, emphasized the significance of Global Cleft Awareness Day, stating, 'A dedicated day to raise global awareness about cleft conditions was long overdue. This initiative by Smile Train opens new dimensions in community engagement, early intervention and treatment. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by children born with clefts and the life-changing impact of timely treatment we will be able to break myths and stigma surrounding clefts.' Smile Train has transformed the lives of over 27,000 children in Telangana and 8,000 children in Andhra Pradesh through free, life-changing cleft surgeries. With three active partner hospitals in each state, the organization continues to build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that ensures accessible, high-quality cleft care. This collaboration with the actor marks a powerful stride toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate society, where no child is left behind. Smile Train India For cleft treatment-related queries or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Smile Train India's photo exhibition on children with clefts at KNMA Delhi is a powerful portrayal of reality and hope
In a world obsessed with perfection, airbrushed images, and filtered realities, a black-and-white portrait exhibition at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) quietly but powerfully disrupts the noise. Every Smile Belongs is a compelling collaboration between Smile Train India, the world's largest cleft-focused charity organisation, and photographer Komal Bedi Sohal, who has come up with a series of photographs of children born with cleft lips and palates. But these are not pictures of sorrow or medical condition; they are stories of hope, courage, playfulness, and identity. 'The exhibition is not about evoking pity; it is about pride,' says Komal, who transitioned from an advertising creative director to a visual storyteller . 'When I pick up the camera, I do not want to tell a sad story. I want to tell a true story and one filled with light, hope and strength.' 'Advertising taught me how to communicate an idea in a few seconds,' she says. But the lens through which she now communicates is more intimate. 'The goal is different; it is not about selling a product, but about restoring dignity,' she says.' That dignity is woven through each portrait on display. Some of the children photographed are barely months old. Others are teenagers finding their way through dance, sports, or content creation. On one side of the gallery are newborns recovering from surgery, shot in quiet hospital rooms. On the other side, older children playful, vibrant, pose confidently in a public park. The collaboration with Smile Train India began with a conversation but quickly became a calling. 'When I started learning more about Smile Train, I was amazed,' Sohal recalls. 'It is not just about correcting a cleft but about building lives.' Smile Train's approach resonated deeply with her. 'Instead of glamour they wanted real, raw, honest storytelling. That was exactly what I also wanted.' For Komal, empathy was not just an attitude. It was a technique. 'I never walked in with a big flash or intimidating gear,' she explains. 'For the pre-op photographs, I used natural light in hospital rooms. No equipment, no flashes. Just light through a dusty window.' Each frame was a result of quiet trust. 'I sat beside the mothers so that their babies would not be scared. I played with the babies, talked to the children, showed them how the camera worked. It was never just 'point and shoot.' It was a process of building trust.' The post-operation portraits were shot at Sanjay Park, Delhi, during a frigid January morning. 'The kids were bundled up in warm clothes. But as we played, talked, and warmed up, they relaxed. Some said they loved to dance. One was a beauty influencer. Another loved cricket. One boy was studying horticulture. So I made images that reflected them, not just their faces.' What strikes throughout the exhibition is the absence of colour. 'I insisted on shooting in black and white. I did not want the distraction of colour. The focus had to be on the emotion, the gesture, the personality.' Komal's aim was to create what she calls 'naked portraits', raw, honest, unfiltered. 'We live in a world dominated by filters and retouching. I wanted to remind people that beauty lies in truth, not perfection.' KNMA's curation of the exhibition is appealing in that the portraits are grouped not by age or medical history, but by gestures, light and mood. One wall features children with expressive hands. Another plays with eye contact. Some are grouped by movement — like children playing ball. It is a small space, but has been used beautifully to evoke maximum emotional impact. Out of many, Komal narrates one moment when a young girl saw her portrait for the first time and walked up to the frame, put her cheek against it, and just stood there, holding it. 'That image, that moment is what this exhibition is all about,' she says. At KNMA, No. 145, DLF South Court Mall, near Select Citywalk Mall, Saket District Centre, Sector 6, Saket; Till July 6; 10.30am to 6.30pm; Mondays closed
Fashion Value Chain
26-06-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
The Country's Largest Cleft-focused NGO, Smile Train India, Presents 'Every Smile Belongs'
The world's largest cleft-focused NGO, Smile Train, launched 'Every Smile Belongs' – a powerful photo exhibition and immersive tribute to inclusion, dignity, and hope with Kiran Nader Museum of Art as its venue partner. Captured by internationally acclaimed photographer Komal Bedi Sohal, the exhibition showcases unfiltered portraits of children with clefts. These striking images transcend aesthetics; each frame captures a pivotal moment in a child's journey, unfiltered emotions and expressions, aiming to shift public perception from sympathy to empathy, and from stigma to strength. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Sujata Chaudhary, Additional Director General of Health Services (Addl. DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, who appreciated the initiative for bringing cleft awareness into mainstream public discourse through the lens of art and empathy. 'Every Smile Belongs' – a photo exhibition by Smile Train India at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, celebrating smiles and stories of hope Mamta Carroll, Smile Train's Senior Vice Presidentand Regional Director for Asia, Smile Train, shared, 'The exhibition marks Smile Train India's 25-year milestone, celebrating our journey of supporting over 750,000 cleft surgeries across the country. Through this exhibition, we aim to foster greater understanding around clefts and advocate for timely, inclusive treatment, ensuring that every child can live with dignity and confidence. We are grateful to the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and Komal Bedi Sohal for bringing their vision and partnership to this impactful initiative.' This collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) as venue partner marks a powerful step toward using art as a catalyst for social transformation. By placing children with clefts at the heart of a respected cultural space, the exhibition affirms their visibility, celebrates their existence, and reinforces their rightful sense of belonging. Komal Bedi Sohal put great thought and care into taking these portraits, showing the unique beauty in every smile and emotion. Through her lens, the exhibition becomes a powerful reminder that behind every cleft is a story of strength, identity, and belonging. Komal Bedi Sohal, the photographer behind the lens, said, 'We live in a world obsessed with perfection. But these children showed me what real beauty looks like: raw, unfiltered, and full of expression and aspiration. This exhibition is about honoring the resilience of these cleft warriors and creating meaningful connections. I want people to pause and appreciate their presence, just as they are.' Every year, over 35,000 children in India are born with clefts, yet many go untreated, facing physical challenges and social isolation due to a lack of awareness and access to care. This collaboration between Smile Train and KNMA aims to shine a powerful spotlight on this issue, fostering greater understanding and driving meaningful conversations to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
