Sujal’s Confidence is Growing Each Day

Sixteen years ago, deep in the landscapes of Ranjhi, Jabalpur, a family in the small town of Munditriya was hit by a whirlwind. Their new baby, Sujal, had a cleft.

“When Sujal, our youngest child, was born with a cleft, that was probably the darkest day of our lives,” his mother, Malti, remembers.

Those early days were fraught with uncertainty and fear. Their extended family deserted them; Sujal’s siblings were afraid to go near him. His parents were overwhelmed, unsure how to secure a better future for their son. The whole family was in desperate need of help.

Relief arrived with a local Anganwadi worker, who told them about Smile Train India and the opportunity for free cleft surgery. Malti immediately took her son to Dube Surgical and Dental Hospital, their nearest Smile Train partner, where he was scheduled for free cleft surgery.

The day of the surgery was filled with anxiety for the family, but the results surpassed all expectations. “When we saw Sujal after the surgery, it felt like meeting our son for the first time,” Malti shared. “The transformation was nothing short of a miracle.”

However, the surgeries could only be the beginning of Sujal's journey. As he grew older, new challenges surfaced. His speech was still unclear, leading to teasing from his peers. “The scar on my upper lip and the shape of my nose made me look different. My friends started treating me strangely, calling me names and mocking my speech. I tried to stay strong and focused on improving my speech,” Sujal recalled.

Smile Train was there for the family in this, too, enabling local experts to provide the vital non-surgical cleft care Sujal needed to thrive.

“I regularly attended speech therapy and diligently practiced speech exercises. My speech improved, but I felt self-conscious about my smile because of the shape of my teeth. I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, which I believe will greatly improve my appearance and help me be more accepted in my community.”

Today, Sujal is doing well. His confidence is growing with each passing day, and he is excelling in the 11th standard. The neighbors, who once looked at him with pity, are now amazed at his progress and love him for his caring nature. Sujal has a strong passion for cricket and hopes to learn it professionally someday. He also aspires to set up his own business after he finishes his studies.

When asked what message he would like to share with others born with a cleft, Sujal responded, “It may take time, but clefts can be treated, and organizations like Smile Train are there to help. Never lose hope or stop living. Keep trying, and things will get better.”