Actor Mandira Bedi has joined Himalaya Wellness Company’s Muskaan initiative in Ahmedabad. The campaign marks World Smile Day and is in its 12th year.

Run with Smile Train India, Muskaan raises awareness about cleft lip and palate. It connects families in Gujarat with free surgery and follow-up care.

This year’s theme is “Ek Nayi Muskaan”. It uses the kite, a symbol of Ahmedabad, to show how a child rises with the right support. Care goes beyond surgery to feeding, nutrition, speech and development.

Bedi said a cleft condition should not define or limit a child’s dreams. She spoke of children going back to school, speaking up and smiling for photographs after treatment.

Rajesh Krishnamurthy of Himalaya Wellness said the campaign will reach more families in rural and underserved areas. The company has run Muskaan with Smile Train India since 2015.

Smile Train India partners the campaign, which is in its 12th year. The Ek Nayi Muskaan theme compares a child’s journey to a kite rising with support. Care includes feeding, nutrition, speech support and overall development beyond surgery.