Imphal’s iconic Kangla Fort turned blue on October 4, 2024, as part of Smile Train India’s attempt to set a new Guinness World Records™ title on World Smile Day®. The initiative saw 13 historical landmarks across India light up to raise awareness about children born with clefts, a condition that affects over 35,000 children annually in India.
Smile Train India, the country’s largest cleft-focused organization, led the initiative as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations. Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President of Smile Train, emphasized the transformative power of cleft surgeries, stating, “Every ray of light represents hope and the power to change lives.”
Locally, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal partnered with Smile Train. Dr. Palin Khundongbam of the hospital highlighted their dedication to providing life-changing care to over 4,600 cleft-affected children in Manipur. In Imphal, the illumination of Kangla Fort sparked significant conversations, with local vendors and residents praising the awareness drive, hopeful that it would foster greater understanding and support for cleft care, ultimately benefiting communities in the region.
