Celebration of Impact: Nissan Motor India and Smile Train India’s CSR Event
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NEW DELHI & GURUGRAM (India CSR): Nissan Motor India recently celebrated the conclusion of its impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Smile Train India. This collaboration has been instrumental in transforming the lives of 290 children by providing essential surgical interventions for cleft conditions. The celebratory event held at Sant Parmanand Hospital in New Delhi not only showcased the tangible outcomes of this alliance but also underscored the commitment of both organizations towards healthcare inclusivity and social responsibility. The initiative highlights the critical role of corporate support in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the lives of underprivileged populations in India.
The automobile company marked the successful completion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership with Smile Train India with a celebratory event at Sant Parmanand Hospital in natinal capital with the children and their families. The occasion, which was attended by Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India along with representatives from Smile Train India, and renowned plastic surgeon Dr SC Sood, highlighted the impact of their joint efforts in supporting cleft surgeries for underprivileged individuals.
Transformative Support: Nissan’s Contribution to Cleft Surgeries
Over the course of the partnership, Nissan’s support enabled 290 cleft surgeries in the fourth quarter of FY23, enabling individuals from economically weaker sections of society to receive the life-changing treatment. These surgeries were conducted at Smile Train India’s partner hospitals, ensuring access to quality care for those in need.
A Commitment to Healthcare and Inclusion
Speaking at the event, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Our association with Smile Train India exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to corporate citizenship, social responsibility and inclusion. Through this partnership, we aimed to address this critical healthcare need and make a meaningful and compassionate difference in the lives of those affected. We have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of access to quality healthcare, and we are immensely proud of the positive change we have collectively achieved.”
Appreciation and Acknowledgement from Smile Train
Mamta Carroll, Smile Train’s Senior Vice President & Regional Director for Asia, expressed her gratitude towards Nissan Motor India and their support for the cause. She said, “Supporting free, safe, and quality cleft treatment is Smile Train India’s number one priority. Our CSR partners hold a pivotal role in our ecosystem, and the collaboration with Nissan Motor India has not only enabled cleft affected children to lead healthier and fuller lives but has also significantly enhanced the quality of life of their parents and immediate families.”
Understanding Cleft: Challenges and Numbers
Cleft, a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate), is a facial birth difference which affects one in 700 babies and 35,000+ children are born with clefts in India annually. Without treatment, children have difficulty in eating, breathing, hearing, speaking and may face social isolation.
Empowering Lives: The Difference Made
The impacted children, of whom 42% are female, will now have a better chance to attend school, pursue careers, and enjoy gainful employment. Surprisingly, even today, many girl children born with clefts are often abandoned at birth. Through Nissan’s support, these girls have not only received a new smile but also the chance of a new life, free from stigma and social isolation.
Early Intervention: Key to Reducing Disability
Additionally, over half 56% of the beneficiaries (161 individuals), are infants aged two years and below. By addressing cleft conditions at a young age, Nissan and Smile Train India have contributed to reducing the disability-affected life years of these individuals. Additionally, 38% (110 individuals) of the beneficiaries fall within the age group of two to 18 years, while 6% are above 18 years, emphasizing the urgency to address the backlog of cleft patients who struggle to find help in time.
Important Facts
Here’s a concise table summarizing the important facts:
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Location | Sant Parmanand Hospital, New Delhi |
| Key Participants | Saurabh Vatsa (MD, Nissan Motor India), Representatives from Smile Train India, Dr SC Sood |
| Cleft Surgeries Supported | 290 surgeries in Q4 FY23 |
| Beneficiary Age Group | 56% infants (2 years and below), 38% children (2-18 years), 6% adults (above 18 years) |
| Female Beneficiaries | 42% of the children affected |
| Impact of Cleft | Affects 1 in 700 babies, over 35,000 children born annually in India |
| CSR Partners | Nissan Motor India and Smile Train India |
| Event Date | May 13, 2024 |
| Purpose of Partnership | To provide free, safe, and quality cleft treatment, reduce social isolation, enhance life quality |
(India CSR)
