Deepika Padukone becomes first Mental Health Ambassador; promises to build a stronger support system : Bollywood News
In a historic move to strengthen the mental health ecosystem in India, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has appointed actress and philanthropist Deepika Padukone as the country’s first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’. The announcement was made in New Delhi on October 10, 2025, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.
Deepika Padukone becomes first mental health ambassador; promises to build a stronger support system
Deepika, who is also the founder of Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, will collaborate with the ministry to raise awareness and advocate for mental health nationally. His appointment marks an important step by the Government in integrating mental wellbeing into the wider framework of public health.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda highlighted the importance of the partnership saying, “The partnership with Ms. Deepika Padukone will help create widespread awareness about mental health issues in India, normalize discussions to reduce stigma and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health.
Expressing her gratitude and commitment, Deepika said, “I am deeply honored to be the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador to 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 working closely with the Ministry to build on this momentum and further strengthen the framework mental health of our country. “
In his new role, Padukone will work alongside the ministry to promote mental health awareness and destigmatization across the country. She will also work to encourage individuals to seek help in a timely manner, support preventative care efforts, and promote access to resources such as Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States). Additionally, she will contribute to the design and implementation of strategic interventions ensuring equitable access to mental health care services for all.
This announcement coincides with a landmark year for the Live Love Laugh Foundation, completing a decade of impactful work in mental health. Over the past decade, LLL has created multiple care pathways through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health program, which has supported more than 21,931 people with mental illness and their caregivers in 15 districts across eight states.
The foundation has also run several nationwide awareness campaigns, including “Dobara Poocho” and “#NotAshamed,” both aimed at normalizing conversations about mental wellness. Its school-based program, ‘You Are Not Alone’, provides mental health education and emotional support to adolescent students, while its ‘Doctors’ Program’ empowers GPs to better respond to mental health concerns. More recently, LLL has extended its initiatives to the corporate sector with a comprehensive corporate mental health and wellbeing program.
Through this new partnership with the ministry, Deepika Padukone and her foundation aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action, reinforcing the message that mental health is as vital as physical health.
Read also: Deepika Padukone’s hijab is NOT your business. Neither does her bikini.
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