Hyderabad, 2nd March 2025: A smile is more than just an expression—it’s a child’s first step toward confidence. Yet, thousands of children in India are born with cleft conditions that hinder their ability to eat, speak, and smile freely. Since 2016, Himalaya Wellness Company’s initiative, Muskaan, has been transforming lives by providing comprehensive cleft care and supporting free cleft lip surgeries across the country. Now, Muskaan takes a bold step forward with celebrated badminton champion PV Sindhu, who joins forces with Himalaya and Smile Train India to amplify awareness and ensure more children receive life-changing treatment.

Known for her commitment to social causes, Sindhu has been a strong advocate for empowering children and ensuring their overall well-being. Her association with Muskaan further strengthens the initiative’s reach, inspiring people to contribute to this noble cause. By lending her voice and platform, Sindhu aims to raise awareness not only about the need for cleft treatment but also about the broader health challenges faced by children with cleft conditions, such as difficulties in getting proper nutrition, speech, and overall development. Through this initiative, she hopes to ensure that every child receives the comprehensive care they need to lead a healthier and more confident life.

Speaking at the event held in ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, Olympic medallist PV Sindhu expressed her support to the cause, emphasizing how confidence plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s future.  “Confidence shapes a child’s future—it gives them the courage to chase their dreams and face the world without hesitation. Every child deserves that strength, and access to cleft care plays a vital role in ensuring they can grow up without limitations. I am truly honoured to support Himalaya’s Muskaan initiative, which is making a real difference by providing children with the treatment they need. By raising awareness, we can empower more children with the confidence to thrive. I encourage everyone to join us in spreading the word and making a difference.”

The event featured an engaging panel discussion with Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, and Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, Smile Train. They shed light on the importance of early cleft intervention and the growing impact of Muskaan over the years. Since its inception in 2016, the initiative has facilitated over 2,000 free cleft surgeries across 600+ districts in India.

Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said, “At Himalaya, we believe that wellness goes beyond products—it is about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With PV Sindhu’s support, we aim to reach even more families to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to smile confidently. Our vision of ‘Wellness in every home, Happiness in every heart’ is deeply connected to this initiative, and we are grateful to be able to continue making a lasting impact.”

Emphasizing the need for timely treatment, Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, Smile Train, added, “Timely cleft treatment not only restores a child’s smile but also ensures they can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Awareness plays a critical role in bridging the gap between children in need and life-changing cleft care. With Himalaya’s continued commitment and PV Sindhu’s support, we hope to reach even more families and ensure that no child has to live with an untreated cleft.”

Through her role in Muskaan, PV Sindhu will help drive widespread awareness, encourage public participation, and reinforce the importance of timely cleft treatment. With her support, Himalaya and Smile Train India are optimistic about extending their outreach and inspiring more people to join this growing movement.

As part of its commitment to Muskaan, Himalaya is encouraging public participation through its Himalaya Premium Lip Care Pack, where ₹5 from every purchase will go towards funding cleft surgeries. With each passing year, the initiative continues to grow, proving that a small act of support can transform lives—one smile at a time.

About Himalaya Wellness Company:

In 1930, a young visionary by the name of Mr. M. Manal foresaw the benefits of herbal remedies while riding through the forests surrounding Dehradun. After diligently researching the science of the traditional field of Ayurveda, he decided to dedicate his life to creating products that would improve millions of lives across the world. Today, with a history spanning nine decades in herbal research, Himalaya has positioned itself as a brand that cares about not only enriching people’s lives but also the environment. With a ‘head-to-heel’ range of products, Himalaya aims to provide a holistic solution to everyday ailments.

Seeped in a legacy of researching nature, Himalaya has been able to successfully harness the science of Ayurveda through cutting-edge research to become a brand that is safe, gentle, and trustworthy. For more information, please visit: https://himalayawellness.in/