"Smile Train India, the nation's biggest cleft-centered non-governmental organization, unveils campaign 'Every Smile Matters' "
In a groundbreaking move, Smile Train India has launched "Every Smile Belongs", India's first-ever photo exhibition centred on children with cleft conditions, held at the prestigious Kiran Nadar Museum of Art [1][3]. The exhibition, inaugurated by Dr. Sujata Chaudhary, Additional Director General of Health Services (Addl. DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, marks Smile Train India's 25-year milestone and celebrates their journey of supporting over 750,000 cleft surgeries across the country [2].
The exhibition features compelling and powerful portraits of children born with cleft lips and palates, celebrating their strength, innocence, and individuality while emphasising that every face belongs and deserves acceptance just as it is [2][4]. Komal Bedi Sohal, the photographer, put great thought and care into taking the portraits for the exhibition, capturing each child's pivotal moment in their journey with raw, unfiltered, and full-of-expression images [4].
The exhibition serves as a visual tribute to cleft inclusion and resilience, aiming to raise awareness about cleft-affected children and the transformative impact of corrective surgeries and support [1][3]. By showcasing the faces and stories of these children, Smile Train India uses art to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and promote the message of inclusion in society [1][3]. The immersive nature of the exhibition allows visitors to connect deeply with the experiences of cleft-affected children.
Komal Bedi Sohal, the photographer, believes that the children with clefts displayed real beauty and wants people to pause and appreciate the presence of the children with clefts, just as they are [5]. Her goal with the exhibition is to honor the resilience of the children with clefts and create meaningful connections [6].
Every year, over 35,000 children in India are born with clefts, many of whom go untreated due to a lack of awareness and access to care [7]. The collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art as venue partner marks a powerful step toward using art as a catalyst for social transformation [8]. This collaboration between Smile Train and KNMA aims to shine a powerful spotlight on the issue of children with clefts, fostering greater understanding and driving meaningful conversations [8].
In terms of impact, "Every Smile Belongs" helps raise public awareness about cleft conditions and the importance of early intervention and treatment [3]. Through this exhibition, Smile Train India not only commemorates its legacy but also mobilizes social consciousness and support toward creating a more inclusive environment for cleft-affected individuals in India [1][2][4].
In summary, the exhibition is a significant cultural and social initiative that uses powerful imagery to bring visibility to cleft-affected children, promoting acceptance and encouraging treatment, thereby making a meaningful contribution to cleft awareness and inclusion in India. The exhibition encourages meaningful connections and appreciation for the children with clefts, reinforcing their rightful sense of belonging [9].
- The exhibition, "Every Smile Belongs," held at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, not only showcases the strength and individuality of children with cleft conditions but also promotes mental health and social media discourses around health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, emphasizing the significance of healthy diets and the transformative impact of corrective surgeries.
- Komal Bedi Sohal, the photographer for the exhibition, credits the children with clefts for showcasing real beauty and seeks to encourage appreciation for them on social media, using art as a tool to foster empathy and reduce stigma in the realm of entertainment and pop-culture.
- The collaboration between Smile Train India and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) strongly advocates for raising awareness about the numerous children with clefts in India who may go untreated, advocating for early intervention and treatment, furthering the conversation about mental health and supporting the inclusion of cleft-affected individuals in society.
- The photographic portraits featured in the "Every Smile Belongs" exhibition offer a fresh perspective on science and medicine, shedding light on the lives of children with cleft conditions and using art as an agent of social change, driving conversations about healthcare, wellness, and societal acceptance.
