Universal Smile Award for Tarun Gogoi

Assam · September 24, 2009

Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity that helps children around the world get cost-free treatment for cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities, awarded the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, with its distinguished Universal Smile Award. The prestigious award was presented in recognition of Mr. Gogoi’s dedication and leadership in establishing a landmark public private partnership to create the first cleft-free state in India. The event, which was held September 18, 2009, at The Pierre in New York City, follows the formal announcement of this partnership between Operation Smile, the Assam Government, and the Tata Group in May, 2009.

: Tarun Gogoi

“We are deeply honored to partner with Mr. Gogoi in this critically important effort to eradicate facial deformities and build sustainable programs in the state of Assam,” said Dr. William P. Magee, Jr., Co-founder and CEO of Operation Smile. “With his leadership and vision, we can bring a renewed sense of hope and joy to all the children within Assam who have cleft lips and cleft palates.”

Mr. Gogoi’s commitment to this humanitarian initiative has already resulted in the building of the first state-of-the-art medical facility that will treat thousands of children year-round. This is the first step in continued efforts to establish the foundation necessary to treat the more than 30,000 children with facial deformities in the state of Assam.

The Universal Smile Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their energy to improving the lives of others and who have set an example of exceptional leadership. It honors men and women whose integrity, competence and courage have earned them respect and acclaim worldwide. The past recipients of the award include Senator John Glenn, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Dr. Roger Wood, Molly Simms and Wesley Vulatggio.

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Category: Assam, News | Tags: Assam, India, News, Operation Smile, Tarun Gogoi