On this special anniversary of Ms. Prabha Narasimhan’s exemplary leadership at Colgate India, it is an honor to extend my heartfelt congratulations to her and the Colgate family. Ms. Narasimhan has not only upheld Colgate’s legacy but has elevated the brand to new heights by steering it with a vision that goes beyond business, focusing on deep, grassroots change that touches lives across the country.
A Leader with a Vision for Transformation
In today’s rapidly evolving world, true leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo—it’s about being a pioneer in transformative change. Under Ms. Narasimhan’s dynamic leadership, Colgate India is doing just that. She has placed the company on the frontline of change, shifting the focus from superficial marketing strategies to meaningful, community-based impact. Her approach ensures that Colgate is not just a brand but a beacon of progress for India’s oral health revolution.
In a country as vast and diverse as India, tackling oral health is no small feat. Oral health is often a neglected aspect of overall healthcare, despite its crucial connection to systemic health. Gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues are linked to more serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Yet, our national oral health policies remain in their infancy, with only incremental changes over the last few years. A comprehensive revolution is what we need—and leaders like Ms. Narasimhan have the vision and drive to make it a reality.
The Need for an Oral Health Revolution in India
India is at a pivotal point where a focused oral health revolution is not just desirable, but absolutely essential. Millions of Indians still lack access to basic oral healthcare, and the prevalence of untreated dental issues, particularly in rural areas, is alarmingly high. Oral health is the gateway to overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most overlooked areas in our healthcare system.
Despite some policy changes in recent years, we need to act faster and more effectively. Like the successful grassroots campaigns that have tackled AIDS, tuberculosis, and cancer in India, an oral health revolution can only be achieved by working directly with communities. We need leaders who can step out from corporate offices and into the heart of India’s villages and towns—leaders who understand that change starts from the ground up.
This is where Ms. Narasimhan’s leadership shines brightest. She understands the importance of reaching the last mile, of engaging with communities directly rather than relying on corporate graphics and slogans. Her dedication to real, meaningful impact sets her apart in the corporate world, making her not only a leader in business but also a leader in social change.
Personal Experiences: Patience, Passion, and Purpose
In my own journey with Smile Express, I have seen firsthand how essential grassroots support is. When we first launched our mobile dental care initiative, many advised us to seek partnerships with prominent oral care companies like Colgate, Dabur, and Patanjali. However, to our surprise, our first partnership came from Pernod Ricard India, a liquor company, after a rigorous selection process. This taught us a valuable lesson—that passion and patience are the driving forces behind real change.
Another moment of realization came when I spoke with Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, about the urgent need for an oral health revolution. It was clear that long-term success would only be possible through social entrepreneurship and years of tireless effort, much like the work Ms. Narasimhan is doing today. She understands that change is not a sprint but a marathon, and her leadership embodies the resilience and foresight needed for such a journey.
Ms. Prabha Narasimhan: The Leader We Need for an Oral Health Revolution
Under Ms. Narsimhan’s leadership, Colgate India is not just safeguarding oral health but actively contributing to the building of a healthier nation. She is a leader who understands that her role extends beyond profits and products—it’s about improving lives. Colgate’s efforts under her guidance are laying the groundwork for an oral health revolution in India, ensuring that people in even the most remote areas have access to the care they deserve.
Her empathy, energy, and enthusiasm for change are driving forces behind Colgate’s mission to create healthier smiles across India. But more importantly, she brings emotion and a human touch to her leadership, ensuring that Colgate’s initiatives are not just corporate campaigns but genuine efforts to uplift communities. Her leadership is a beacon of hope for those of us working in the field of oral health, as she leads by example, showing us that real change starts with compassion, vision, and commitment.
Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Hope and Impact
As we celebrate Ms. Narasimhan’s anniversary with Colgate, we look forward to many more years of her visionary leadership. Leaders like her are rare, and they bring with them the promise of a brighter, healthier future. Under her guidance, we are confident that the oral health revolution in India will continue to gain momentum, improving lives and bringing smiles to the faces of millions.
Here’s to many more years of impactful leadership, driven by empathy, energy, and emotion for that last-mile smile. Ms. Narsimhan, your work inspires us all, and we are deeply grateful for the transformative path you are forging in India’s oral health landscape.
With heartfelt admiration,
Dr. Mukesh Panwar
Oral & Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Advocate for Oral Health Revolution
Graduate of the School for Social Entrepreneurs
UNLEASH Denmark SDGs Talent
Director, Centre for Smile
Working tirelessly for community-driven solutions to transform India’s oral health landscape.
