When baby Riva entered the world, she brought joy, wonder, and a quiet strength that her parents would soon come to understand. But along with her first cries, they noticed something they had not expected — Riva was born with a cleft lip and cleft palate.

Her mother, Rina, felt her heart sink. She blamed herself, searching for reasons, questioning every step of her pregnancy, wondering if she had somehow caused her daughter’s condition. In many rural communities in India, misconceptions and stigma surrounding cleft conditions are common. Access to medical information is limited, and mothers often face emotional pressure, guilt, or even social judgment.

Rina held her daughter close, trying to imagine what her life would look like. Would Riva be able to eat properly? To speak? To smile freely like other children? Would she face bullying, isolation, or misunderstanding?

These fears weighed heavily on her. And while her love for Riva was unconditional, the road ahead felt frighteningly unclear.

Living in Rural India: A Reality of Limited Medical Care

In Rina’s village, healthcare services were scarce. The nearest hospital with specialized surgical care was far away — too far, too expensive, and too overwhelming for the family to reach on their own.

For many families in rural India, a cleft lip or palate is not just a medical condition — it becomes a lifelong barrier. Without surgery, children can struggle with:

• Difficulty breastfeeding or eating

• Malnutrition

• Speech challenges

• Hearing problems

• Social stigma

• Loss of confidence and belonging

Rina and her husband feared that their daughter’s future would be shaped by these limitations.

But everything changed when they heard a piece of news that would alter the course of Riva’s life forever.

A Lifeline: Operation Smile Arrives in Guwahati

A neighbor mentioned that an international medical nonprofit, Operation Smile, would be hosting a free surgical program in Guwahati, a major city in northeastern India. The organization was renowned for providing safe, high-quality cleft surgeries to children around the world — and for giving families the chance they never thought possible.

For Rina, this news felt like a miracle.

The journey to Guwahati would be long and difficult, involving hours of travel by bus and foot. But Rina and her husband knew they had to try. They packed what little they had, held Riva close, and began their journey — carrying hope with every step.

The Evaluation: A Moment That Changed Everything

When the family arrived at the Operation Smile program site, they were overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of families just like them — parents holding babies with cleft conditions, children who had waited years for their chance at surgery, and volunteers offering comfort and compassion.

Riva underwent a full medical evaluation performed by Operation Smile’s team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, pediatricians, and volunteers. They checked her weight, heart health, oxygen levels, and overall development to ensure she was safe and ready for surgery.

When the results came back, the doctors smiled.

Riva was approved for surgery.

Rina burst into tears of relief. For the first time since her daughter’s birth, she felt the weight of fear lift from her shoulders. She wasn’t alone. And her daughter was finally going to receive the care she deserved.

The Surgery: A Transformation in Just a Few Hours

On the morning of the operation, Rina held Riva tightly, whispering prayers and words of love. She watched as nurses gently carried her daughter into the operating room, trusting strangers with the most precious life she knew.

Operation Smile’s surgical teams are among the most experienced in the world, and the procedure to repair a cleft lip typically takes less than an hour. The cleft palate repair, though more complex, is done with meticulous precision to ensure the child can eat, speak, and breathe properly.

When the surgery was complete, Rina could hardly believe her eyes. Her daughter’s face was transformed. The cleft lip that once defined her appearance was now carefully repaired, replaced by the hint of a new smile.

The tears fell again — this time full of gratitude.

A New Beginning: Riva’s Bright Future

As weeks passed, Riva healed quickly. Her appetite improved. Her sleep became more peaceful. She discovered how to make new sounds, practicing babbling with pure delight. And the more she healed, the more her personality began to shine.

Soon, Riva was laughing, running, and playing with her friends — no longer held back by the condition that had once threatened her future.

Today, she is a happy, active child, full of curiosity and joy. She loves being outside, chasing butterflies, and joining games with other children in the village. Her parents say her favorite activity is playing hide-and-seek with her cousins — something that brings her endless laughter.

With her repaired smile, she approaches the world with confidence. And with time, speech therapy and follow-up care will help her continue developing like any other child her age.

For Rina, the difference is indescribable.

“I used to worry every day,” she said. “But now, when I see her smile, I know she has a full life ahead of her.”

Operation Smile’s Lasting Impact in India

Operation Smile has been working in India for decades, delivering thousands of free surgeries to children born with cleft conditions. Their programs also focus on:

• Training local surgeons and medical professionals

• Providing speech therapy and orthodontic care

• Supporting families through nutrition programs

• Ensuring safe, consistent follow-up treatment

For families living in remote regions, the organization is not just a medical provider — it is a lifeline, a source of hope, and a reminder that every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive, and smile.

Stories like Riva’s represent the mission at the heart of Operation Smile:
to ensure that no child is defined by a condition they were born with, and no parent must feel the weight of blame, fear, or hopelessness.

A Smile That Changed Everything

Riva’s journey — from a newborn facing uncertainty to a joyful child with a bright future — is a testament to the power of compassion. One surgery, one volunteer, one organization, and one determined family came together to rewrite her story.

Her smile today is not simply a medical outcome.
It is a symbol of resilience.
A reminder that distance, poverty, and circumstance should never determine a child’s destiny.
And proof that, with love and support, even the smallest life can shine brilliantly.

Because every child deserves a chance.
Every family deserves hope.
And every smile has the power to change the world.