His Serene Highness Prince Albert II has appointed Mr. Sumeet Anand, Founder of IndSight Growth Partners, as the Honorary Consul General of the Principality of Monaco in India.
 

In this capacity, Mr. Anand will represent Monaco across India, supporting the strengthening of bilateral engagement in priority areas including trade, investment, sustainability, culture, sports, and institutional cooperation.
 

Sumeet Anand, Founder of IndSight Growth Partners, Appointed Honorary Consul General of the Principality of Monaco in India
 

Under the leadership of Prince Albert II, Monaco while the world’s second-smallest sovereign state stands among the world’s most distinguished nations, widely respected for its political stability, exceptional quality of life, global outlook, and pioneering leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and international sporting excellence, including its iconic Formula One Grand Prix.
 

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Anand said, “It is a profound privilege and honour to be entrusted with this responsibility by the Principality of Monaco. I am committed to supporting meaningful engagement between India and Monaco across areas of shared priority and long-term partnership. I look forward to working closely with the Ambassador of Monaco to India, H.E. Mr. Didier Gamerdinger, to further strengthen this important relationship.”
 

Sumeet Anand is a leading cross-border strategic advisor to senior leadership of global corporations, particularly European companies and Indian enterprises, on business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and investments. He is the Founder of IndSight Growth Partners, a specialised cross-border advisory firm working with boards, top management, multinational corporations, investment funds, and family offices on India–Europe growth strategies and long-term partnerships.
 

Through IndSight Growth Partners, Mr. Anand advises clients across sectors including consumer goods, manufacturing, technology, and services. Prior to establishing IndSight, he was part of the founding team of Pernod Ricard India and later served as CEO and Country Manager for leading European multinational groups.
 

Mr. Anand is an alumnus of HEC Paris and a recipient of France’s highest civilian honour, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, in recognition of his contribution to business and to strengthening Indo-French ties. He is the Co-founder and President of the France India Foundation and a former President of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The India 2030 Leadership Conclave has announced its 9th Annual Edition, scheduled to take place on 6th April 2026 at the ITC Maratha, Sahar, Mumbai. Over the years, the conclave has established itself as a credible leadership platform bringing together influential voices from business, policy, innovation, sustainability, sports, entertainment, and the social sector to deliberate on India’s evolving growth narrative.

India 2030 Leadership Conclave

Formerly celebrated as the Brand Vision Summit, the platform evolved its identity from the last edition to the India 2030 Leadership Conclave to better reflect its focus on the nation’s long-term strategic milestones.

The upcoming edition will feature a high-level agenda, including

• India’s Trillion-Dollar Leap: Building the Next Growth Supercycle: A discussion on how enterprises across infrastructure, manufacturing, BFSI, healthcare, and technology are driving India’s next phase of expansion.

• Leadership at Scale: Trust, Legacy & Reinvention in a Changing India: An intimate conversation on building enduring institutions while adapting to rapid change.

• The Future-Ready Enterprise: Innovation, Talent & Competitive Advantage: Exploring how organizations leverage strategic differentiation to stay resilient.

• Building Brands That Endure: Consumer Trust in the India of Tomorrow: A discussion on credibility and brand longevity in a competitive marketplace.

• Grand Awards Night: The India 2030 Business & Brand Excellence Awards & Hall of Fame, honoring brands and individuals for their contribution to India’s growth story.

India 2030 Leadership Conclave also serves as the high-impact launchpad for ‘India 2030: The Power Chair,’ with the stage set for an initial series of 15-minute ‘Agenda-Setting’ sessions featuring the nation’s most formidable business minds. These focused dialogues will act as the catalyst for a year-round, full-length podcast series, evolving into comprehensive 60-minute deep-dives into the mechanics of leadership and future-proofing. As a permanent digital property, The Power Chair is destined to become the definitive platform featuring the most powerful voices in India—leaders who are not just observing the 2030 vision but actively architecting it. This inaugural cohort will establish the foundation for what will be the country’s premier high-stakes leadership narrative, bridging the gap between momentary insight and generational legacy.

Over the past nine years, the India 2030 Leadership Conclave has been instrumental in honoring several of the country’s most respected names from business and industry, including Niranjan Hiranandani (Hiranandani Group), Manoj Menda (RMZ Corp), Irfan Razack (Prestige Group), Sudha Murthy (Infosys Foundation), Madan Mohanka (Tega Industries), Amit Burman (Dabur), Dr. Raghupati Singhania (JK Group), and Harish Kohli (Acer India).

The platform has also seen attendance from prominent leaders and public figures from policy, sports, and entertainment, including Anurag Thakur, Suresh Prabhu, Kartik Aaryan, Kapil Sharma, Vidya Balan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Gaur Gopal Das, Smriti Mandhana, Sonam Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, R. Madhavan, and Anupam Kher, reflecting the conclave’s cross-sector relevance and national stature.

Across its previous editions, the conclave has drawn participation from over 400 leading organisations, including brands such as Reliance Securities, Hiranandani Group, RMZ Group, Prestige Constructions, Acer India, Herbalife India, Vedanta Aluminium, Nykd by Nykaa, Puma, Bajaj Allianz, PhonePe, TATA AIA Life Insurance, Canon India, Uber, Godrej Appliances, JK Tyres, Kent RO, Wakefit, DTDC etc.

Registration & Contact Information:
For registration, please fill the form: www.forms.gle/A3X2K1tLuEToCdwg9
For more information regarding participation and sponsorships: info@nexbrands.in

About India 2030 Leadership Conclave

The India 2030 Leadership Conclave is a flagship leadership platform focused on facilitating credible dialogue around India’s growth journey while recognising excellence across sectors. The platform convenes influential stakeholders from business, government, sports, entertainment, and the social sector to engage in future-oriented conversations that shape India’s leadership narrative.

About NexBrands Inc.

NexBrands Inc. is an integrated marketing communications company specialising in leadership forums, large-scale events, content platforms, and strategic brand communication. NexBrands Inc curates and produces high-impact platforms that bring together influential stakeholders through thoughtful curation, compelling storytelling, and outcome-driven engagement.

In a significant boost to India’s “Viksit Bharat“, “Skill India” and “Make in India” missions, Phillips Education has officially partnered with Hindalco Industries Limited (an Aditya Birla Group company) to launch a state-of-the-art Advanced Technical Training Centre of Excellence (CoE), in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s manufacturing and technical skilling ecosystem.

Mr. Rahul Maheshwari (AVP-Partnerships, Phillips Education), Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP-Head Skills Development, Hindalco Industries & Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu (CM, Andhra Pradesh)

“Aditya Birla Skills Centre” was inaugurated on January 30, 2026, by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, in the presence of Shri. Samik Basu, CHRO-Hindalco Industries Ltd. and Smt. Kopal Agrawal, CEO-Downstream Business and Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP & Head Skills Development at Hindalco Industries Ltd. The event marked a milestone highlighting Hindalco’s strong commitment with their CSR/ESG initiatives that supports in the state’s journey toward becoming a global hub for high-tech manufacturing, local youth skilling & employability.

During the inauguration, the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the leadership team from Hindalco Industries appreciated the role played by Phillips Education in designing and delivering industry-aligned curriculum, industry-ready training frameworks. Mr. Sukhendu Ghosh, CHR VP & Head Skills Development at Hindalco Industries highlighted “Phillips Education has been really helpful and imparting the relevant and practical knowledge necessary for building manufacturing workforce.”

Mr. Rakshit Kejriwal, Global President at Phillips Education emphasized, “We are grateful to have received such high praise from Hindalco leadership. The CoE infrastructure reflects a shared commitment between industry, government, and skilling partners to build a sustainable and globally competitive workforce. With this initiative, Phillips Education reiterates its role as a strong force in shaping a future-ready practical ecosystem with academic expertise for training and skilling —one that not only supports industry growth but also empowers communities and takes India forward on its journey toward global manufacturing excellence. And as India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, CSR-led skilling must be demand-driven, outcome-based, and employer-owned.”

The Advanced Technical Training CoE is designed to serve as a hub for high-end technical skilling, focusing on preparing local youth for advanced manufacturing 4.0 industry and technology-driven roles.

About Phillips Education

Phillips Education is a global leader in Industry 4.0 technical training, dedicated to building a future-ready academic and industrial ecosystem. As a key partner in India’s #MakeInIndia and #SkillIndia missions, Phillips Education specializes in establishing Advanced Manufacturing Centres of Excellence (CoE) that bridge the gap between traditional vocational education and modern industrial demand. We are partnered with multiple State governments to deploy CoE infrastructure which deploy impactful trainings that helps local youth employment and generates industry-ready workforce.

In addition to, multiple impactful industrial partnerships such as with JSW Energy, Tata Technologies, and more, Phillips Education had also partnered with IIT Bombay, NIT Delhi to establish the machine laboratories, unleash R&D potential in metal working for the Aerospace and Defence industries. We collaborate with organisations for Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, that are aimed at skilling the youth and generate employment.

Through its comprehensive curriculum—which integrates CNC machining, robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), precision manufacturing and AI enabled learning, that leads to fulfil the skilled workforce requirements of Industrial machinists, fabrication & Mechanical Assembly, CNC Turning & Milling operators, semiconductor technicians, windmill Technicians, EV service technicians, solar power installers, Industrial robotics, Drone technicians.

For more information, visit phillipscorp.com/india/phillipseducation.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, today marked an important milestone in its growth journey with the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming grinding unit in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Bikaner facility will be JK Cement’s 20th manufacturing plant across its grey and white cement businesses and will have an initial production capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).

Bhoomi Poojan of JK Cement’s Upcoming Bikaner Grinding Unit

The Bhoomi Poojan was led by Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, along with senior members of the company’s leadership team. Over 200 strategic channel partners also participated in the ceremony, reflecting the strong partnerships that underpin JK Cement’s expansion in the region.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “The Bhoomi Poojan of our Bikaner grinding unit marks a significant step in JK Cement’s long-term growth strategy. Rajasthan continues to be an important market for us, and this project reinforces our commitment to expanding manufacturing capabilities closer to demand centres. Beyond strengthening our operational footprint, the Bikaner plant will contribute meaningfully to regional development, employment generation, and the overall industrial ecosystem.”

Spread across 100 acres and strategically located on the Jaipur–Bikaner highway, the upcoming grinding unit will play a critical role in strengthening JK Cement’s presence in Rajasthan. Its location will enable efficient and seamless distribution across the state, allowing the company to service customer demand with significantly reduced lead times, with deliveries possible within 24 hours to most locations.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, added, “The Bikaner grinding unit is a strategic investment aimed at deepening our reach in Rajasthan, a market witnessing strong growth driven by housing and infrastructure development. With this facility, we will be better positioned to serve our customers faster, more efficiently, and at scale. The project aligns closely with our vision of becoming the most preferred cement brand for home builders by delivering consistent quality, superior service, and long-term value.”

Construction of the Bikaner grinding unit is scheduled to commence in February 2026, with commercial production expected to begin by March 2027. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Once operational, the facility is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and encourage the development of ancillary industries in the surrounding region, thereby boosting the local economy. The Bikaner unit underscores JK Cement’s continued focus on capacity expansion in high-growth markets while supporting sustainable infrastructure development and long-term economic progress.

About JK Cement Ltd.
JK Cement Ltd. is among India’s top manufacturers of Grey and White Cement, and home-building solutions globally. For over five decades, JKCement has contributed to India’s infrastructure through product quality, customer focus, and technology leadership, beginning with its flagship grey cement unit in Nimbahera, Rajasthan, in May 1975.

The Company’s Grey Cement capacity is 31.26 MTPA, making it a leading manufacturer with a strong presence across 15 states, especially in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. With a total White Cement and Wall Putty Capacity of 3.05 MTPA, JK White Cement is sold in 36 countries around the globe.

The Company has a strong international presence with two subsidiaries, JK Cement Works Fujairah FZC and JK White Cement (Africa) Ltd. In 2023, JKCement launched JKMaxx Paints, offering wall, wood, and metal finishes. In the same year, JKCement expanded into construction chemicals with JK Profix, a waterproofing line, and also entered the Ready-Mix Concrete segment with JK Super Concrete, serving Delhi NCR and set for nationwide growth.

For more information, please visit JK Cement: www.jkcement.com.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), one of India’s leading NAAC A+ accredited institutions, successfully conducted the 5th Convocation for its online learners on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The ceremony, held at the MUJ campus in Jaipur, marked a significant milestone in the university’s mission to expand access to quality higher education through its robust and learner-centric online degree programs.

‘MUJ Online’s 5th Convocation: Celebrating Excellence in Digital Learning”  for dissemination

Recognizing the achievements of 9,043 graduates from across 28 states and 6 Union Territories in India, spanning 27 countries globally, MUJ Online reaffirmed its commitment to empowering learners beyond geographical and professional boundaries. Of these, 1531 graduates attended the ceremony in person, while the remaining learners were awarded their degrees in absentia. 

Graduates from various disciplines, including bachelor’s programs like BCom, BBA, BCA, and master’s programs like MCom, MBA, MCA, and MAJMC, successfully completed their degrees through MUJ’s comprehensive online learning platform. This year’s graduates ranged from first-generation learners to business leaders and IT professionals, showcasing how MUJ Online has supported learners in aligning academic excellence with career growth and lifelong learning.

Visionary Leadership Inspiring Future Success
The convocation was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, who served as the Chief Guest. The ceremony commenced with Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, declaring the convocation open, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro President, MUJ. 

Dr. N N Sharma, President, MUJ, presented a comprehensive overview of the university and its expanding digital education ecosystem, highlighting MUJ’s commitment to delivering world-class education through the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE). He said, “MUJ Online offers research guidance to its online learners and encourages them to publish in Scopus-indexed journals through dedicated incentives. We also provide one-week campus immersion program via Bloomberg Market Concepts and Computer-Integrated Tech, which makes us stand out from other universities providing campus experience for online learners.”

In his convocation address, Shri Haribhau Bagde, Hon’ble Governor of Rajasthan, underscored the need to integrate India’s traditional education system with contemporary educational practices. He noted that the National Education Policy places special focus on preserving and promoting Indian languages and heritage, as well as encouraging education in the mother tongue. He further emphasized the role of education in eradicating poverty and highlighted the responsibility of youth in nation-building to make India a developed nation by 2047.

The governor said, “Online education is the need of the hour and essential for lifelong learning, as it enables learners to access education anytime, anywhere, while also making it more affordable and accessible.”

Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO, UNext Learning, also graced the occasion as a Guest of Honour.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar, Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost, Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director, CDOE, Dr. Dasari Nagaraju, CoE, and other senior leadership.

About MUJ Online
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), established in 2011, is a NAAC A+ accredited, multidisciplinary university that aims at providing quality education in the online landscape. The online degrees offered by MUJ are UGC-entitled and recognized at par with on-campus degrees. The university offers live classes conducted by expert faculty members at convenient times, to suit the schedules of diverse learners. 

MUJ’s online learners are also offered placement assistance in the form of skill assessments & enhancement, industry-readiness sessions, resume building, and virtual placement drives.  

MUJ currently offers 9 degree programs in an online mode and caters to 1,50,000+ online learners from 60+ nationalities and from 1500+ towns & cities across India.  

About Online Manipal
Online Manipal is the digital home of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), and Sikkim Manipal University (SMU). These three Manipal universities, accredited with NAAC A++ and NAAC A+, offer UGC-entitled online degrees equivalent to on-campus programs. 

Since its inception in 2021, Online Manipal has empowered over 1,60,000 learners to realize their potential by providing them with accessible, affordable & industry-relevant degrees and new-age certifications in a 100% online mode. 

Online Manipal’s integrated learning platform gives access to extensive e-learning material, recorded sessions, webinars, doubt clearing sessions, quizzes, assignments, and more. 

To know more, visit www.onlinemanipal.com

Greaves Electric Mobility has been recognized by the prestigious Asia Book of Records to become the first electric two-wheeler brand which successfully ascended Kolli Hills, in Tamil Nadu. Considered one of South India’s most demanding routes, Kolli Hills features 70 hairpin bends while ascending, making any drive a test of endurance.

Ampere Enters Asia Book of Records – Navigates 70-hairpin bends of Kolli Hills, TN

The record attempt was conducted on January 7^th, 2026, with the ride commencing at 7:00 am and successfully completed in 22 minutes 10 seconds. The ascent was undertaken using GEML’s Ampere Nexus, from Belukurichi to the summit of Kolli Hills. Officials from the Asia Book of Records officially validated and confirmed the success on the same day.

With its 70 hairpin bends, this challenging route showcased and proved Greaves Electric Mobility’s “Built for Bharat” engineering prowess, where vehicles are designed, developed, and validated for India’s diverse and often challenging riding conditions. From steep gradients and broken hill roads to sharp turns and sustained load cycles, GEML’s electric two-wheelers are engineered to handle the toughest terrains the country has to offer.

Taking cognizance of the latest achievement, Mr Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Greaves Electric Mobility said, “India’s riding conditions are among the most demanding in the world, and our approach has always been to engineer electric vehicles that are built for Bharat, not just for ideal test environments. The Kolli Hills ascent is a real-world validation of that philosophy. The Ampere Nexus combines safe and durable LFP battery technology with a robust dual-frame chassis that is designed to handle steep gradients, repeated cornering, and sustained load conditions. Achievements like this reaffirm our focus on building electric mobility solutions that can perform reliably across tough terrains.”

The Ampere Nexus achieved this success due to its LFP battery and high tensile steel chassis which provides durability for every condition, work together on demanding terrain. The battery is built to stay stable in a wide range of conditions, operating from –40°C to 60°C, and continues to deliver usable power during long uphill stretches, repeated braking, and changes in load. The warranty offered on the battery reflects the confidence in how it performs over extended everyday use rather than short tests. Ampere Nexus’s advanced motor and software deliver instant torque for climbs, regenerative braking for descents, and traction control for slippery slopes – ensuring smooth, efficient performance across every terrain.

The high strength steel chassis adds to this by keeping the vehicle balanced and predictable, especially while negotiating continuous hairpin bends. With a motor tuned for sustained output and braking that responds consistently, the Nexus remains manageable even on steep climbs. These aspects have been observed over multiple endurance runs and record attempts, and the Kolli Hills ascent serves as another real-world example of how the scooter holds up under demanding conditions.

The recognition by the Asia Book of Records is a first for Greaves Electric Mobility, reinforcing its commitment for India-built products which can cater to the world. With a market presence in Nepal and developing presence in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Africa, this recognition validates the brand’s endurance, capability and durability.

Furthermore, it reinforces the company’s belief that adoption is driven by real-world experience. As electric two-wheelers move beyond city limits, this milestone demonstrates that vehicles engineered for Indian roads are capable of performing consistently even in demanding and rugged terrain. Built to outlast, outperform and outshine, Greaves Electric Mobility’s products continue to prove their capability across conditions that reflect how India truly rides.

More information: Link

About Greaves Cotton Limited

Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), also known as Greaves, is a diversified, multi-product, multi-fuel, and multi-location engineering company with a legacy of 165 years and strong brand trust. Originally renowned for its single-cylinder diesel engines, Greaves has transformed into a fuel-agnostic, end-to-end mobility solutions provider, driven by the purpose of “Empowering Lives”. The Company is enabling a sustainable transition to green mobility and aims to touch a billion lives by 2030. Greaves is building a digitally integrated ecosystem that connects consumers, business partners, and service providers across the entire mobility value chain.

Through its five independent business units—Greaves Engineering, Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd., Greaves Retail, Greaves Finance Ltd., and Greaves Technologies Ltd.—Greaves combines agility with strategic focus, delivering innovation and enhancing accessibility for consumers. With significant investments in technology and human capital, the Company is positioned to lead in India’s EV and sustainable mobility markets. The Company remains committed to sustainable growth and economic progress, making it a trusted partner in shaping the future of mobility in India.

For more information, visit– www.greavescotton.com

About Greaves Electric Mobility Limited

Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), the electric mobility business of Greaves Cotton Limited (GCL), is one of the first companies in India to focus on the evolving market of electric vehicles (“EV”) and has been among the frontrunners at driving EV adoption in the country*. With over 17 years of experience designing and manufacturing electric vehicles*, GEML serves both the electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler segments. GEML along with its subsidiaries, operates three manufacturing plants located in Hyderabad, Noida, and Ranipet. The company supports its network through 400 dealer touchpoints across India, thereby aiming minimal downtime and enhanced customer experience. GEML holds 8 India Book of Records** titles, reflecting its focus on technology and design led innovative & durable mobility solutions. Subsidiaries MLR Auto Limited and Bestway Agencies Private Limited help extend GEML’s market presence. Committed to affordability and sustainability, GEML provides clean mobility solutions contributing to India’s shift toward electric transportation.

Philips, one of India’s most trusted home appliance brands, has announced a new consumer engagement partnership with Wheel of Fortune India, bringing an exciting opportunity for consumers to step into the spotlight and experience the thrill of playing on national television.
 

Philips X Wheel of Fortune
 

Through this unique association, Philips is giving its consumers a chance to be part of Wheel of Fortune India and play the iconic game alongside Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. As part of the campaign, 15 lucky Philips consumers will be selected to appear on the show, turning everyday purchases into extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
 

The contest is open to consumers who purchase any Philips product worth Rs. 1,500 or more. Post purchase, consumers can participate by scanning a QR code available at retail outlets, completing a simple registration process, and entering the ‘Spin the Wheel’ contest.
 

“Wheel of Fortune is a format that naturally brings families together, and that is a space where Philips has always belonged. This partnership allows us to create a meaningful moment for our consumers by combining the trust they place in our products with the joy of shared entertainment. As a brand present in millions of Indian homes, we are excited to offer consumers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step onto national television and be part of a show that is rooted in fun, familiarity and everyday viewing moments.” said Pooja Baid, Chief Marketing Officer, Versuni India.
 

Recognised by Guinness World Records as the World’s Most Popular TV Game Show and honored with the Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Game Show, Wheel of Fortune has enjoyed unparalleled global success. The campaign is live across 18000+ retail outlets, inviting consumers across the country to take their shot at playing Wheel of Fortune India on national television. In addition to the opportunity to be on the show, consumers also stand a chance to win assured rewards through the Spin the Wheel challenge.
 

About Versuni
Versuni’s purpose is turning houses into homes. As a house of home appliances brands, Versuni markets: Philips, Philips Baristina, Philips Walita, Preethi, Senseo, L’OR Barista, Saeco, and Gaggia. With more than 900 patents to its name, Versuni’s portfolio spans coffee and kitchen appliances, garment care, climate care, and floor care. Philips, Saeco and Gaggia products are sold under trademark license from Koninklijke Philips N.V. Products under the Philips brand include the Airfryer, Espresso Machine with LatteGo, Handheld Steamer, Air Purifier and AquaTrio Cordless Vacuum. Versuni is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, with innovation, manufacturing, and commercial centers across the globe and a footprint in over 100 countries.

On the occasion of National Cleft Day, Smile Train India, the country’s largest cleft focused NGO, partnered with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to raise awareness and advocate for cleft lip and palate issues. They implemented a comprehensive school-based engagement programme across NDMC schools in the national capital.

NDMC Students Bring Book Series “Smiles That Shine” to Life Through Theatre for National Cleft Day

As part of this initiative, Smile Train India rolled out “The ABCs of Change” (Awareness, Behaviour, and Confidence) across 10 NDMC schools, using storytelling, interactive learning, and creative engagement to build early awareness, empathy, and inclusion among primary school children. The programme integrates cleft awareness into classrooms, positioning children as active participants and ambassadors of change within their schools, families, and communities.

Central to the initiative is Smile Train India’s picture book series, “Smiles that Shine,” the first-of-its-kind children’s series designed to promote empathy, kindness, and understanding around facial differences, including cleft lip and palate. Through imaginative storytelling and relatable characters, the books normalise differences, encourage conversations around self-confidence and identity, and help reduce stigma from an early age.

The school programme concluded with a three-day creative theatre workshop led by Rahul Khanna, a renowned theatre practitioner and storytelling facilitator. Primary school students from NDMC schools developed and performed short plays inspired by the “Smiles that Shine” stories, bringing the narratives to life through expressive enactment and reinforcing messages of empathy, inclusion, and acceptance.

Cleft lip and palate is a treatable birth difference, affecting approximately 1 in every 700 children. However, lack of awareness, social stigma, and misinformation often delay treatment, impacting a child’s health, speech development, confidence, and social integration. By embedding awareness within schools, Smile Train India and NDMC aim to encourage a more inclusive environment for children with facial differences.

Speaking on the initiative, Kritika Choudhary, Director, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said, “Schools are not only places of learning but also where empathy and inclusion are shaped. This partnership with Smile Train India brings together health awareness and creative learning. By engaging children through stories and theatre, we hope these values extend beyond classrooms into homes and communities.“

Mamta Carroll, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia Smile Train India, added, “Cleft care goes beyond medical treatment; it is about building confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like Smiles that Shine, The ABCs of Change, and the culminating theatre workshops, we are using storytelling to help children understand and embrace differences, and to grow up with empathy, kindness, and inclusion at their core.”

By anchoring cleft awareness within classrooms and creative expression, Smile Train India and NDMC reaffirm their shared commitment to early intervention, inclusive education, and community-led advocacy, ensuring every child born with a cleft has the opportunity to grow up healthy, confident, and included.

Over 35,000 babies with cleft conditions are born in India each year, and many of them go untreated because of social stigma, misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about the treatment that is available, by improving community level awareness. Smile Train’s school outreach program aims to spread awareness amongst the young minds.

For cleft treatment related query or support, please call our toll-free helpline number: 1800 103 8301.