On World Mental Health Day, actor Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). This appointment aims to strengthen India’s mental health support system and promote open conversations about well-being. Padukone’s selection underscores her active role in promoting mental health conversations through her foundation and personal journey.
Union Minister J P Nadda stated, “The partnership with Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalize discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health.”
Padukone expressed, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant strides in prioritizing mental health care. I look forward to working closely with the Ministry to build on this momentum and further strengthen our nation’s mental health framework.”
In her new position, she will work with the ministry to educate people about mental health, support de-stigmatization initiatives, and encourage more Indians to seek help. She will also promote government-backed programs such as Tele MANAS and contribute to developing strategies for equal mental health care access.
Earlier in the day, Padukone reflected on her journey since founding The Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015. She noted, “Ten years ago, it was about helping people realize that what they’re feeling has a name and that it’s okay to seek help.” She said, “When people come up to me and say, ‘You’ve saved a life,’ or ‘You’ve helped my daughter,’ nothing compares to that feeling.”
She also expressed that the future of mental health care in India lies in blending science with Indian traditions, such as yoga and meditation, and in making mental health conversations a normal part of daily life. She also hoped that mental health awareness will one day be as widespread as gully cricket.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward a more inclusive and supportive mental health ecosystem.
