On World Mental Health Day, actor Deepika Padukone stepped into a new and meaningful role — she’s been appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
This move is not just about celebrity endorsement; it’s a reflection of how far India has come in acknowledging that mental health is as important as physical health. Deepika’s appointment aims to make mental well-being conversations more open, compassionate, and stigma-free — something she has been advocating for nearly a decade.
Why Deepika’s Role Matters
Mental health in India has long been clouded by stigma and silence. Many still hesitate to seek help, often fearing judgment or misunderstanding. Deepika Padukone’s new role seeks to change that narrative.
As the founder of The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, she has been a visible advocate for mental health since 2015 — ever since she publicly shared her own experience with depression. Through her foundation, she’s reached thousands of individuals and caregivers across rural and urban India, helping them access support and understand that what they’re going through has a name — and treatment.
The Ministry hopes her involvement will help normalize conversations around mental health, bring visibility to support systems like Tele-MANAS, and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.
A Step Toward a Healthier, More Compassionate India
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda shared that the collaboration with Deepika Padukone will help “disseminate awareness, reduce stigma, and integrate mental health into public health discussions.”
That’s a big statement — because for years, mental health has often been treated as separate from mainstream healthcare. This initiative is an attempt to change that by weaving mental wellness into India’s broader public health framework.
In her response, Deepika said she feels “deeply honoured” to serve as the first Mental Health Ambassador for the Ministry. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant strides in prioritising mental health care,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with the Ministry to build on this momentum and strengthen our nation’s mental health framework.”
What Her Role Will Involve
In her new position, Deepika will collaborate with the Health Ministry to:
- Raise public awareness about mental health and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
- Promote government-backed programmes like Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States).
- Support community-based initiatives and rural mental health programmes.
- Advocate for equal access to mental health care across regions.
- Help shape national campaigns to reduce stigma and misinformation.
The focus will be on making mental health information more accessible, and ensuring that people understand that seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
The Journey of The Live Love Laugh Foundation
Deepika’s foundation, The Live Love Laugh (LLL), recently completed 10 years of service. Since its launch in 2015, the organisation has reached over 21,900 individuals with mental illness and their caregivers through its Rural Community Mental Health Program across eight states.
LLL has also led impactful campaigns such as “Dobara Poocho”, “#NotAshamed”, and “You Are Not Alone” — each aimed at breaking stigma and creating awareness in schools, workplaces, and homes.
Speaking about the foundation’s journey, Deepika reflected, “Ten years ago, it was about helping people realise that what they’re feeling has a name and that it’s okay to seek help. When people tell me, ‘You’ve saved a life,’ or ‘You’ve helped my daughter,’ nothing compares to that feeling.”
Blending Science and Tradition
One of the most thoughtful things Deepika mentioned is her vision for the future of mental health care in India — a blend of scientific approaches with Indian traditions like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.
She believes these practices can help build emotional resilience and balance — and that mental health conversations should one day feel as ordinary and open as talking about gully cricket.
That simple comparison captures her goal perfectly: to make mental health awareness part of everyday life.
Beyond the Ambassador Role
Interestingly, even as she takes on this important public role, Deepika’s name has been in headlines for another reason — her decision to prioritise her work-life balance as a new mother. Reports suggest she chose to step away from a few film projects because she preferred to work 8-hour shifts, sparking a much-needed conversation about healthy workplace practices in Bollywood.
In her interviews, she’s been vocal about the importance of balance, boundaries, and self-care — all of which tie back to mental wellness. It’s a timely reminder that mental health isn’t just about treatment; it’s about designing a life that supports your well-being.
A Turning Point for Mental Health in India
Deepika Padukone’s appointment as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador signals progress — not just in policy, but in mindset. Having a public figure openly advocate for emotional well-being can inspire millions to see mental health as part of their overall health, not something to hide or ignore.
Her work with the government could help make mental health resources more visible and accessible — and most importantly, remind us that asking for help is a form of courage.
As India continues to build its mental health ecosystem, this collaboration might just mark the beginning of a new era — one where empathy, awareness, and action go hand in hand.
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