Healing and Growth Begin with Acceptance

Vinita Sanghi, Development Manager at HCL as well as a cleft warrior and storyteller, has been a long-time supporter of Smile Train. Moderating a session at Cleft Con India this September left her so inspired that she wanted to share her experience with you directly.

I have always lived with a cleft, but for many years, I chose not to speak about it. I worried about attracting attention, evoking sympathy, and being seen as “different.”

On September 20, 2025, I attended Smile Train India’s Cleft Con in Kolkata – the fourth edition of the annual event by and for the cleft community in India. For me, it was not just another conference. It was a reminder of how far we have come as a community — and how organizations like Smile Train continue to create opportunities for those of us born with clefts.

Challenges and Stigma

Living with a cleft comes with many challenges — medical, emotional, and personal. From speech and dental issues to stares from strangers to questions of self-worth — even in a supportive environment, the invisible stigma often lingers:

Am I complete? Can I grow in my career? Will I ever be accepted for who I am?

At times, I too felt unseen. For years, I fought my journey of self-doubt and inhibitions alone. But change began when I connected with Smile Train in 2022 and was invited to be a part of Cleft Con India as a panelist.  

For the first time, I didn’t just carry my story silently — I shared it. And in sharing, I found acceptance. 

The Role of Smile Train

Smile Train has given me multiple opportunities to embrace my identity as a cleft warrior while also celebrating my professional journey. From supporting fundraising initiatives to creating spaces where our voices are amplified, they have consistently shown that having a cleft does not limit your potential.

At this year’s Cleft Con India, I had the privilege of moderating the session “Thrive with Cleft in the Workplace.” Standing on stage with other cleft professionals was not just empowering — it was healing. It reminded me that acceptance is not only personal, it is collective.

I also met younger warriors, who were dynamic, independent, full of potential — who reminded me of the importance of preparation, resilience, and courage. They reinforced my belief that we are not defined by our scars, but by our strength. 

Acceptance as a Journey

What I have learned through Smile Train is this: Acceptance is not a one-time decision. It is a journey. A journey of clarity, discipline, and conviction.

Yes, I may look unconventional. Yes, I may not have a partner yet. But I am complete, whole, and capable. My scars are not marks of deficiency — they are proof of resilience.

And most importantly, I am not walking this path alone. With Smile Train and this vibrant community, the journey of acceptance becomes a shared experience — one filled with purpose, courage, and growth.

I am now always seeking out platforms to speak, to grow, and to connect.

Keep smiling always. Because as they say, “Every smile belongs”.