New
Delhi | 25 February 2026 : Tarq Foundation, in
partnership with Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited and the Government of
Haryana, is supporting the statewide expansion of Colgate’s flagship
initiative, Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF). The collaboration will
deliver structured oral health education to 57 lakh school children across
Haryana.
The
BSBF program currently reaches over 10 million children annually across various
Indian states. Its expansion in Haryana represents a significant step in
embedding preventive oral health education within the state’s public and
private school systems at scale.
Impacting
school children in Haryana through BSBF carries substantial public health and
educational value. As one of the longest-running and most expansive oral health
education programs globally, BSBF addresses both immediate health needs and
long-term well-being, reinforcing the importance of preventive care during
formative years.
“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 Shri
Nayab Singh Saini Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana.
The
statewide rollout integrates structured oral health education directly into
Haryana’s educational framework, reinforcing preventive care at a stage when
lifelong habits are shaped. By embedding this awareness within established
systems, the initiative aims to drive sustained, large-scale behavioural
change.
“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 Ms.
Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director – ESG & Communications,
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited.
Designed
as a comprehensive preventive health initiative, the programme will include
age-appropriate in-school sessions, teacher capacity building, visual
reinforcement through Oral Health Boards, and take-home dental kits with
brushing calendars to strengthen habit formation both in classrooms and at
home.
“At
Tarq Foundation, we see this collaboration as a reflection of evolved thinking;
where corporate commitment and government vision converge to build
institutional, scalable solutions. Haryana is emerging as a dynamic and
forward-looking state, investing in the holistic development of its young
citizens. By integrating preventive oral health into school systems, we are
ensuring that healthy habits are not taught once, but practiced consistently to
drive real, generational impact.” said Mr. Manoviraj Singh, Founding
Partner, Tarq Foundation.
A Legacy of Global and
National Impact Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has
achieved remarkable scale, benefiting over 195 million children across India
and more than 2 billion children and their families globally since its
inception. This success is driven by robust public-private partnerships across
multiple Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Kerala,
Assam, Puducherry, and Goa.
The
Haryana collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding the
programme’s reach. The kick-off meeting was attended by dignitaries and
implementation partners, including Mr. Sunil Sharma, Chief Coordinator
(industries), HoD (Estate, Commercial & Housing, KMP and Mining), Haryana
State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporate Limited, Mr.
Aditya Madan, Chief Liaison Officer, iHub – AWaDH, IIT Ropar, and Ms.
Lakshana Asthana, Founding Partner, Tarq Foundation.
About Colgate-Palmolive
(India) Limited
Colgate-Palmolive
is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future
for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market
leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable,
profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace
for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care
& Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its
leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community
well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant
strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water
and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and
digital literacy and enhancing children’s oral health through its flagship,
Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. For more information about
Colgate’s global business and how it is building a future to smile about,
visit: www.colgatepalmolive.co.in
About Tarq Foundation
Tarq Foundation is a
not-for-profit organisation focused on engineering Corporate Social Returns
through systems-led design and execution. Working across critical and
underserved geographies, the Foundation translates corporate CSR intent into
structured, measurable outcomes aligned with community needs and national
priorities.
For more information,
visit: www.tarqfoundation.org
MEDIA CONTACTS
Aditi
Mishra
Tarq Foundation | E: aditi@tarq.org
