Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining a very special cleft lip and palate charity project at Global Hospital, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India organised under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Pratap Medha, Dr Sharad Mehta and his dedicated team.
This initiative has a deep history. Since the year 2000, Global Hospital has been a beacon of hope for children born with cleft lip and palate. It was here, 25 years ago, that I had the honour of performing the very first cleft lip surgery on a three-month-old baby at this center. Since then, the project has been generously supported by Smile Train Charity, growing into one of India’s most recognised cleft centres.
Leadership and Legacy
At the heart of this remarkable journey is Dr. Sharad Mehta, Consultant Cleft Surgeon at Global Hospital. Dr. Mehta is not only instrumental but truly indispensable in ensuring the continuity of this project for the past 25 years. His tireless dedication over more than three decades in rural Rajasthan makes him one of the hardest-working surgeons I have ever met. Through his selfless service, thousands of children have been given the chance to smile, speak, and live with confidence. Without his daily efforts, this project simply would not exist in the way it does today.
We also remain deeply grateful to Dr. Pratap Medha, Medical Director, whose vision has guided this project since its inception, alongside Rupa Ben, Nursing Director, and Sister Champa, Theatre Manager , whose leadership and support ensure each camp is a success.
The Unsung Heroes: Anaesthesia Team
None of these surgeries would be possible without the enormous support of the consultant anaesthetists at Global Hospital. Dr. Jagdevi and Dr. Rahul, both full-time consultants, provide anaesthetic services across all hospitals run by the Brahma Kumaris in Mount Abu and Abu Road, including Global Hospital. Their professional excellence and unwavering commitment ensure that even the most complex surgeries are carried out with complete safety. Their compassionate care for poor children suffering from cleft lip and palate has been truly exemplary, and their contribution is at the very core of this project’s success.
This Year’s Camp
This year, the surgical team included:
- Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, London (Help Smile Trust)
- Dr. Sharad Mehta, Consultant Cleft Surgeon, Global Hospital, Mount Abu
- Mr. Ashish Magdum, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Lilavati & HN Hospitals, Mumbai
- Dr. Santosh Bhatia, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai
- Dr Gaurav Namade supported the mission preparing the patients for the operations, looking after them following the operations . He assisted visiting surgeons for their spiritual well being taking exceptional care throughout their time in Global Hospital
Together, we performed 20 operations, including cleft lip and palate repairs in children, secondary corrections for adults with facial deformities, reconstruction for congenital hand anomalies, and a major head and neck cancer resection with free microvascular reconstruction. For families travelling from across India with limited resources, these surgeries represent not just treatment, but hope and dignity restored.
A Spiritual Dimension
What made this camp truly unique was the environment of spiritual care and serenity fostered by the Brahma Kumaris. Each day began with the divine experience of Amrit Vela meditation at Pandav Bhavan (3:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.), followed by collective reflections. These moments of stillness and purity nourished our energy, giving us strength and clarity to perform complex surgeries with compassion.
After the camp, I also had the privilege of visiting the Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Delhi, where I met Senior Asha Didi and witnessed the extraordinary 40-acre campus dedicated to meditation, learning, and service.
Reflections
Looking back, this camp was far more than a week of surgeries. It was a week of healing, learning, and spiritual enrichment. It reminded all of us that medicine is not just about technical skill, but also about empathy, compassion, and service.
We at Help Smile Trust remain committed to supporting projects like this—where science, service, and spirituality come together to create lasting impact.
With gratitude,
Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Founder, Help Smile Trust
