To raise awareness for children born with clefts, Smile Train India illuminated Imphal’s Kangla Fort on October 4 as part of its Guinness World Records™ attempt for World Smile Day®. This nationwide initiative, covering 13 heritage landmarks, highlighted the organization’s 25-year commitment to providing life-changing cleft surgeries to children across India.
Smile Train’s Senior Vice President, Mamta Carroll, expressed the emotional impact of the campaign, noting, “Every landmark that lights up signifies hope for children born with clefts, shining a spotlight on the life-transforming surgeries provided by Smile Train.”
Local partner, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, played a key role in the event. Dr. Palin Khundongbam emphasized, “We are honored to be part of this initiative, helping cleft-affected children in Manipur.” In Imphal, the illumination of Kangla Fort resonated deeply with local vendors and residents. Many traders viewed this awareness effort as an opportunity to spotlight both the city’s rich culture and the pressing health needs of children, hoping it could boost community engagement and promote more widespread support for cleft surgeries.
