Deepika Becomes India’s First Mental Health Ambassador, Ranveer Says “I’m proud of you”
Deepika Padukone Appointed India’s First Mental Health Ambassador By Union Health Ministry: In a landmark step toward strengthening India’s mental health framework, acclaimed actress and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has been appointed the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Deepika, who founded the Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation in 2015 after her own battle with depression, has been at the forefront of mental health advocacy in India. Her new role will allow her to further expand awareness and work closely with the government to promote mental well-being nationwide.
A New Role with a National Impact
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised the appointment, saying:
“The partnership with Deepika Padukone will help spread widespread awareness about mental health issues in India, normalize discussions on it, and highlight mental health as a distinct aspect of public health.”
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Accepting the role, Deepika expressed both pride and hope:
“I am extremely proud to serve as the first Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant progress in prioritizing mental health care. I look forward to continuing this momentum and working closely with the Ministry to further strengthen our country’s mental health infrastructure.”
As Mental Health Ambassador, Deepika will support initiatives such as TeleManas (India’s 24/7 mental health helpline), and assist the Ministry in developing outreach strategies, improving awareness, and encouraging people to seek help without stigma.
She will also advocate for integrating scientific approaches with Indian wellness traditions like yoga and meditation, aiming to make mental health care more accessible and culturally rooted.
Reflecting on her journey with the Live Love Laugh Foundation, Deepika said:
“Ten years ago, it was about making people realize that what they were feeling had a name, and that it was okay to ask for help. When people come up to me and say, ‘You saved a life,’ or ‘You helped my daughter,’ that feeling can’t be compared to anything else.”
She added that her dream is to see mental health awareness become as common as a street game of cricket in India—natural, open, and stigma-free.
Deepika Padukone’s appointment signals a major shift in how India approaches mental health — not just as a medical issue, but as a public health priority. With her voice, experience, and commitment, this partnership is expected to bring mental health into the mainstream and encourage millions to seek the support they need.
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