Colgate-Palmolive Partners with Haryana Government to Expand Oral Health Education to 57 Lakh School Children

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited has announced a partnership with the Government of Haryana to expand its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) programme, bringing structured oral health education to nearly 57 lakh school children across the state. The initiative will be rolled out through both public and private schools, helping students learn essential oral hygiene habits at an early age.

Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® is one of the world’s longest-running oral health education programmes and currently reaches more than 10 million children annually across India. The Haryana collaboration aims to improve awareness about preventive dental care and encourage healthy practices that support long-term well-being.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the state is committed to improving children’s health and sees the partnership as a step toward building awareness and promoting good oral hygiene habits among students. He noted that preventive education in schools can support children’s confidence, development and overall health.

Under the programme, trained facilitators will conduct interactive sessions on proper brushing techniques, replacing toothbrushes regularly, nutrition for dental health and the dangers of tobacco use. Each participating school will have an Oral Health Board to reinforce daily learning and encourage good habits. Teachers will also receive training on oral health topics so they can continue guiding students in the classroom. In addition, students will be given dental kits and brushing calendars to help families maintain regular routines at home.

Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said integrating oral health education into the school system helps build lasting habits and encourages preventive care. She added that the partnership supports a wider effort to create a culture of health that begins in childhood.

Colgate said the BSBF programme has reached more than 195 million children in India and over 2 billion children and families worldwide since its launch. The Haryana initiative follows similar collaborations in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Assam.

Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, a leading oral care company in the country, continues to focus on community programmes alongside its business operations. Through education initiatives, sustainability efforts and product innovation, the company aims to support healthier lifestyles for children and families across India.