In a landmark move for child health, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has partnered with the Government of Haryana to scale its flagship program, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF), aiming to provide oral health education to 57 lakh school children across the state. The BSBF initiative already reaches over 10 million children annually in various Indian states.

The program promises significant public health and educational benefits, embedding preventive oral hygiene practices into the formative years of schoolchildren. One of the longest-running and most expansive oral health education programs globally, BSBF addresses both immediate health needs and long-term well-being for children in Haryana.

"Ensuring the health and well-being of our children is central to our vision for Haryana’s future. Through this collaboration with Colgate, we aim to strengthen awareness and embed preventive oral hygiene practices among students across the state, supporting their overall development and confidence," said Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana.

The statewide rollout integrates structured oral health education directly into Haryana’s public and private school systems, creating the potential for sustained, large-scale behavioural change.

"This partnership represents a systemic shift from awareness to large-scale action for 57 lakh children. By embedding Bright Smiles, Bright Futures into Haryana’s educational framework, we are making preventive care a non-negotiable part of a child’s development. This is about more than hygiene; it is about building a sustainable culture of health that begins in the classroom and lasts a lifetime," said Prabha Narasimhan, MD & CEO, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited.

The comprehensive program includes:

1. Structured In-Person Learning: Trained facilitators will deliver engaging, age-appropriate sessions in schools.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum: Focus on proper brushing techniques, timely toothbrush replacement, tobacco prevention, and nutrition practices that support oral health.

3. Oral Health Boards: Every school will feature a permanent visual anchor to make preventive care a daily habit.

4. Teacher Training Modules: Teachers will learn oral health fundamentals to reinforce awareness for current and future students.

5. Take-Home Dental Kits & Brushing Calendars: Students will receive tools to extend oral health habits into the home and family.

"Preventive health education, when delivered consistently and embedded early, creates powerful ripple effects beyond the classroom. Children become ambassadors of healthy habits within their families and communities. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to fostering lasting behavioural change," said Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director – ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited.