Deepika Padukone to lead mental health advocacy as new ambassador for Health Ministry

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). The move aims to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and make mental health an important part of public health discussions in India. Deepika, who is also the founder of The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the new role. She said she looks forward to working with the Ministry to strengthen India’s mental health framework and build on the progress the country has made in prioritizing mental health care.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted that Deepika’s involvement will help spread awareness widely, normalise conversations around mental health, and encourage people to seek help. The partnership is expected to play a significant role in changing perceptions about mental health and promoting a supportive environment for those affected. Deepika’s personal commitment to mental health advocacy and her public platform make her a strong voice for these issues, reaching both urban and rural communities across India.

In her new role, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry to encourage preventive care, promote help-seeking behavior, and raise awareness about government-approved mental health resources, including Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States). She will also assist in developing strategic interventions to make mental health care more accessible and equitable throughout the country. Her role is expected to influence public attitudes, encourage early intervention, and help integrate mental health into mainstream healthcare.

Live Love Laugh foundation’s decade-long impact

Deepika Padukone’s appointment comes as her charitable trust, The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, completes 10 years of service in mental health advocacy. Over the past decade, LLL has launched several programs to support mental health in both rural and urban areas of India. Its Rural Community Mental Health Program has established care pathways for over 21,931 persons with mental illness (PWMIs) and their caregivers across 15 districts in eight states. The program ensures that people in remote areas have access to proper care and support, helping reduce the treatment gap for mental illnesses.

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LLL has also run innovative public awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and promote open discussions about mental health. Initiatives like “Dobara Poocho” and #NotAshamed encourage people to speak openly about mental health challenges without fear or shame. The foundation has introduced specialized programs for various groups, including general practitioners through the Doctors Program and teenage students through the “You Are Not Alone” initiative. Additionally, LLL recently launched a workplace mental health and well-being program to support employees and promote healthier working environments.

Deepika’s work through LLL reflects her long-term commitment to making mental health care accessible, reducing stigma, and educating the public about mental health issues. By collaborating with the government as Mental Health Ambassador, she can expand the reach of these initiatives, ensuring that more people benefit from structured support and information. Her role is expected to bridge gaps between government programs and public awareness, helping India move toward a more inclusive mental health care system.

The appointment also signals the government’s focus on mental health as a key component of public health. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has been working to strengthen mental health services, and Deepika’s involvement will support these efforts. By combining her celebrity influence with her foundation’s programs, Deepika can reach wider audiences, encouraging open conversations and fostering a society that prioritizes mental well-being.

In conclusion, Deepika Padukone’s new role as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador represents a significant step forward in promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to care. With her foundation’s decade-long experience and her national platform, she is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on public attitudes and support systems for mental health across India. The partnership between Deepika and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is expected to bring lasting positive change, encouraging people to seek help, fostering empathy, and building a more supportive environment for everyone facing mental health challenges.