Thursday, 27 March 2014

Smile Train officer lauds BSF effort to bring smile back on kids' faces

GUWAHATI: Satish Kalra, chief programs officer of the US-based Smile Train, lauded the efforts of Guwahati Frontier of the Border Security Force and the local doctors for treating cleft-ridden children living in the border areas of the state. Kalra, speaking at the 50th Cleft Lip Surgery programme organized by the Guwahati Frontier of BSF, stressed on the need to create awareness about facial disorders and their cure.

The initiative would also benefit adults afflicted with cleft lip and palate deformity.

As part of a joint initiative undertaken by the BSF and Smile Train, Kalra congratulated the Guwahati frontier for successful completion of 50 cleft surgeries. BSF Guwahati Frontier is all set to reach the 100 mark by the end of this year. All frontiers of BSF, whilst taking part in this initiative, have completed 200 surgeries within a span of 10 months.

"It is a privilege to be part of this effort with a fine organization such as BSF. It has brought a new hope to the underprivileged ones living in border areas. But at the same time it should be noted that due to lack of awareness many are left in the lurch. Ignorance is the biggest challenge as of now and it is very important that people suffering from cleft lip and palate deformity are identified and treated. Many are unaware that this deformity can be cured," said Kalra.

The BSF has been taking civic action programmes for the betterment of the people residing in the border regions, and this particular effort was initiated by BD Sharma, special DG (EC) Kolkata, with the approval of former DG, BSF, Subash Joshi. The initiative has also been adopted by the BSF Wives Welfare Association.

Further, the frontier plans to support children living in the border areas with their education so that they don't fall prey to child trafficking.

Close to 40 afflicted people will undergo operation in the next few weeks, Sharma said. At the event a documentary chronicling the efforts of the Guwahati Frontier of BSF was also shown. The documentary was an effort by the Deputy Director, Programme Production Centre (NE), Doordarshan.

"The border areas are underdeveloped and the people living in those areas do not have access to minimum health facilities. We have decided to work for the welfare of the underprivileged people in these areas. We need to reach out to more people living in the border areas," said BD Sharma, Special DG (EC) Kolkata.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Smile-Train-officer-lauds-BSF-effort-to-bring-smile-back-on-kids-faces/articleshow/32767478.cms

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