Himalaya’s Muskaan Brings ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ to Ahmedabad, Expanding Access to Cleft Care

• Bilkul online | By Rafat Quadri
• Ahmedabad | 02 October 2026

On World Smile Day, Himalaya Wellness Company brought its Muskaan initiative to Ahmedabad in partnership with Smile Train India, with actor Mandira Bedi lending her voice to the campaign’s message of hope, confidence and possibility. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cleft conditions and help more children and families across Gujarat access timely and comprehensive cleft care, including free surgery and follow-up support.

A Kite, A Smile and a Message of Hope

Now in its 12th year, Muskaan has chosen the kite as its central theme, drawing inspiration from Ahmedabad’s deep-rooted love for kite flying. The campaign, built around the thought ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’, compares a child’s journey with that of a kite that rises higher with the right support.

The campaign seeks to show how timely and comprehensive cleft care can help children overcome challenges, build confidence and look towards new possibilities. It also aims to make conversations around cleft conditions and treatment more accessible to families.

Mandira Bedi: “Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Believe in Themselves”

Speaking about Muskaan, Mandira Bedi highlighted the importance of confidence and support in a child’s journey beyond treatment.

She said that for a child born with a cleft condition, access to the right care can play an important role in building confidence. She also pointed to the everyday milestones that follow treatment—returning to school, speaking up, making friends, smiling for a photograph and simply feeling comfortable being themselves.

According to Bedi, Muskaan is about more than treatment; it is about helping children understand that their condition does not have to define them or limit their dreams.

Beyond Surgery: Comprehensive Support for Children

Through its partnership with Smile Train India, the initiative focuses on a broader approach to cleft care. Along with surgery, children may require support related to feeding, nutrition, speech and overall development.

The campaign aims to help families understand the care available to them and encourage them to seek appropriate support at the right time.

Taking Cleft Care to 22 Districts of Gujarat

A major part of the initiative is a mobile van that will travel from village to village across rural and underserved communities in 22 districts of Gujarat.

The mobile outreach programme will create awareness about cleft conditions and connect eligible children with free cleft surgery and comprehensive care. The press release states that the surgical procedure takes approximately 45 minutes, offering eligible children an opportunity to receive timely treatment.

Reaching Families Who Need Support

Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said Muskaan has been part of Himalaya Wellness’ social initiatives since 2015 and that the current campaign marks its 12th year of association with Smile Train India.

He said bringing Muskaan to Ahmedabad would allow the initiative to reach more children and families while building awareness about cleft care, particularly among rural and underserved communities.

Ragini Hariharan, Marketing Director – Beauty & Personal Care, Himalaya Wellness, said Ahmedabad’s association with kites inspired the campaign’s theme of “taking flight and reaching for what lies ahead.” She described ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ as a message of possibility, where a new smile can mark the beginning of greater confidence, participation and hope.

Smile Train: Care That Helps Children Thrive

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, Smile Train, emphasised that while surgery is an important part of cleft treatment, it is only one step in a child’s overall journey.

She highlighted the importance of support in feeding, nutrition, speech and overall development, adding that Smile Train’s treatment partners provide this care free of cost to eligible children.

Over 8 Lakh Free Cleft Surgeries Supported in India

According to the press release, Smile Train India has supported more than 800,000 free cleft surgeries across India since 2000, through a network of more than 130 partner hospitals.

A New Smile, A New Beginning

Through Muskaan, Himalaya Wellness and Smile Train India are working to address gaps in awareness and access to cleft care, helping families understand their options and take the first step towards timely treatment.

Families seeking information or support regarding cleft treatment can contact the toll-free helpline at 1800 103 8301.

The campaign’s central message is simple: with timely care, the right support and greater awareness, a new smile can become the beginning of a child’s journey towards greater confidence, participation and hope.

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