CHIEF MINISTER OF ASSAM, INDIA, TARUN GOGOI RECIEVES PRESTIGOUS OPERATION SMILE AWARD

Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity, awarded the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, with its distinguished Universal Smile Award. The award was presented in recognition of Mr. Gogoi’s dedication and leadership in establishing a landmark public private partnership to create the first cleft-free state in India. The event, which was held September 18, 2009, at The Pierre in New York City, follows the formal announcement of this partnership between Operation Smile, the Assam Government, and the Tata Group in May, 2009.

“We are deeply honored to partner with Mr. Gogoi in this critically important effort to eradicate facial deformities and build sustainable programs in the state of Assam,” said Dr. William P. Magee, Jr., Co-founder and CEO of Operation Smile. “With his leadership and vision, we can bring a renewed sense of hope and joy to all the children within Assam who have cleft lips and cleft palates.”

Mr. Gogoi’s commitment to this humanitarian initiative has already resulted in the building of the first state-of-the-art medical facility that will treat thousands of children year-round. This is the first step in continued efforts to establish the foundation necessary to treat the more than 30,000 children with facial deformities in the state of Assam.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all the children and adults who we will treat in the future,” said the Chief Minister.“Our partnership embodies the true spirit of collaboration and will bring forth real change for the citizens of Assam.”

The Universal Smile Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their energy to improving the lives of others and who have set an example of exceptional leadership. It honors men and women whose integrity, competence and courage have earned them respect and acclaim worldwide. The past recipients of the award include Senator John Glenn, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Dr. Roger Wood, Molly Simms and Wesley Vulatggio.

Mr. Gogoi has held numerous distinguished positions in the Congress Party including Joint Secretary and General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for six terms beginning in the 5th Lok Sabha in 1991. Mr. Gogoi was elected Chief Minister of Assam in 2001 and was re-elected for a second term in May 2006.

Lladró, the renowned Spanish House of Porcelain generously donated the award, with the reception hosted by Stryker and Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces.

About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)
Founded in 1982, Operation Smile, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, is a worldwide children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers are dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 130,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in 51 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its 27 partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.