Laughter Therapy
SANTANU MISHRA [ 45]
Co- founder, Smile Foundation, New Delhi An alumni of IIM- A, Mishra set up Smile Foundation after working in the corporate sector for 15 years. The Foundation was started in 2002 by a group of corporate professionals who decided to finance, handhold and support genuine grassroots' initiatives targeted at providing education and health to underprivileged children.
FIRST MOVE Education alone has the power to change lives. This is why the foundation works towards improving the education and health of underprivileged children through Mission Education, focuses on the healthcare of people living in urban slums and rural villages through their Smile on Wheels programme, ensures the livelihood of marginalised youth through its Smile Twin e- Learning programme and promotes women empowerment through a programme called Swabhiman.
POWER POINT After helping 4,200 children, the foundation went on to produce a movie, I am Kalam that was released in 2011. The film won 23 national and international awards and was screened at 40 prestigious film festivals across the globe.
E- GOVERNANCE Smile introduces the rural population to technology and teaches them how they can use it to improve their livelihood. Their e- governance campaigns have also helped create awareness.
POWER ASSOCIATION Smile Foundation has recieved support from various organisations across the globe. At present the generosity of 46 corporate firms and five public sector units keeps them going. Donations are always welcome.
CURRENT EXPLORATION The organisation is working on a current programme Smile Twin E- learning Programme ( STeP) that aims at creating a pool of young and independent people, from the marginalised section, through skill enhancement in tandem with market requirements. It is an effort towards bridging the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower in the fast emerging services and retail sectors of modern India. For more information visit
An employee must respect their job and understand its importance. This attitude helps them do their very best”
Career wise The foundation is always on the look- out for dedicated volunteers and full- time employees. “An employee must respect their job and do their very best,” Mishra says.
Power moment Smile Foundation has helped employ over 7,345 young people in various fields. Smile has 140 projects of various scales spread across 22 states in India.