Himalaya Wellness Company launches the 2024 Edition of their Flagship initiative – ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ with Indian Cricket Legend Yuvraj Singh supporting the cause

Mumbai, February 12, 2024: Himalaya Wellness Company, one of India’s leading wellness brands, announced its Muskaan initiative in the highly anticipated 2024 edition. This humanitarian initiative, known for spreading smiles and fostering well-being among children with cleft lip and palate is expanding its reach to 500+ districts in its newest edition after facilitating 1800+ free cleft lip surgeries, in partnership with Smile Train India, across the country. On this occasion, cricket icon Yuvraj Singh pledged his support to the cause, propagating the need for greater awareness on the condition of cleft in children and how a small contribution can help bring about – ‘Ek Nayi Muskaan’ on their faces.

The event saw Yuvraj Singh sharing anecdotes and experiences from his own life, encouraging and inspiring children with cleft to lead healthy and full lives by eradicating social stigma. Himalaya Wellness Company in collaboration with Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused NGO, has been   dedicated to spreading awareness on about the facial birth difference of cleft lip and palate and supporting 100% free cleft surgeries, has been providing healthy smiles to underprivileged children for more than 8 years.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director, Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said, “As the market leader in the lip balm category, Himalaya is proud to continue setting standards for quality and efficacy. With each passing year, we remain dedicated to fostering greater brand love among our valued customers, ensuring that Himalaya Lip Balm remains their trusted choice for lip care. Muskaan holds a special place in our hearts, and witnessing numerous children gaining access to a healthier and more joyful life through cleft repair surgeries is an enriching experience. A smile is an expression of happiness, and with “Ek Nayi Muskaan”, we intend to create more smiles by helping children achieve their dreams and live a fulfilling life. This initiative reflects our overall brand thought – ‘Khush Raho Khushaal Raho’ that captures our vision of ‘Wellness in every home, Happiness in every heart’.”

Since the inception of this initiative in 2016, Himalaya, in collaboration with NGO Smile Train India, has relentlessly pursued spreading smiles to cleft affected children in need. Himalaya donates Rs 5 towards cleft surgery r every purchase of Premium lip care pack.

Indian Cricket icon, Yuvraj Singh added “Our future hinges on the well-being of children, and nothing should hinder their genuine happiness. The ‘Muskaan’ initiative, dedicated to bringing everlasting smiles to children with clefts, stands as a crucial and indispensable cause. It not only guarantees a bright future for these children but also extends its positive impact to their families. I am delighted and fortunate to be part of this journey dedicated to spreading joy and smiles.”

Highlighting the significance of the Initiative, Mamta Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia said “Cleft conditions significantly impact a child’s health, affecting basic functions like eating, breathing and speaking, and may also lead to social stigma and isolation. Timely cleft surgery and associated cleft care is crucial, not only transforming a child’s appearance but also preventing potential health issues and improving their quality of life. Delaying surgery can lead to speech, hearing, and mental wellness difficulties. With Muskaan and our partnership with Himalaya Wellness Company, our aim is to raise awareness about clefts, making free surgeries and comprehensive care readily available to more children in India.”