Thiruvananthapuram: The Different Art Centre has announced the launch of Project Smile, a heartwarming initiative designed to prioritize mental wellness, laughter, and joy throughout the year. The project aims to transform the Centre into an institution that fosters a healthy, positive lifestyle for the differently abled by seamlessly blending happiness with their overall well being. To achieve this, the entire year of 2026 will feature various programs focused on building self satisfaction and delight within the community.

The activities will be more than just fun; they will be evaluated using specific indicators set by the World Health Organization, and the findings will be presented as a study at the end of the year.

The project was inaugurated by Dr. M.V. Pillai, the Chairman and Founder of the International Cancer Care Network based in the USA. The launch began with a touch of magic: Dr. Pillai burned a paper marked with a "tear emoji" in an empty vessel, which then transformed into smiley balls. The children at the Centre enthusiastically welcomed the project by holding up smiley placards and releasing bright yellow balloons into the sky.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Pillai remarked that witnessing a once marginalized community gain recognition through their own talents is a true sign of progress. He noted that words are often not enough to appreciate the work being done at the Different Art Centre and added that he felt incredibly fortunate to visit the campus on New Year's Day.

The ceremony was presided over by Gopinath Muthukad, the Executive Director of the Different Art Centre. In another highlight of the event, film actor Sudheer Sukumaran released the first poster of a telefilm starring Harigovind, a talent from the Centre. Other key figures in attendance included Intervention Director Dr. Anil Nair, Creative Head Bharatharajan, CFO Aswathy Nishanth, and Magic Planet Operations Manager Sunil Raj C.K.