In a landmark move on World Mental Health Day, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. This historic appointment reflects a growing national commitment to prioritising mental health as a key component of public well-being.
Deepika, a long-time mental health advocate and founder of the LiveLoveLaugh Foundation, met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to formalise the collaboration. Following the meeting, she expressed her gratitude and dedication to the cause in a heartfelt social media post.
“On World Mental Health Day, I am blessed to be named the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador,” Deepika shared. “With our Hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi at the helm, our nation has made genuine efforts to place mental health at the forefront of public health.”
Having courageously shared her own experience with depression, Deepika has been instrumental in driving conversations around mental health for nearly a decade. Her foundation has worked extensively to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and offer support to those in need.
“I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India,” she noted. “I look forward to working under the guidance of Shri @jpnaddaofficial and the @mohfwindia to further strengthen India’s mental health framework.”
As Mental Health Ambassador, Deepika will champion awareness, promote open dialogue, and support government initiatives such as Tele MANAS — a program designed to make mental health services more accessible across the country.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda praised the collaboration, saying, “This partnership will help bring mental health conversations into the mainstream, reduce stigma, and reinforce its importance in public health.”
Deepika’s appointment marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and compassionate mental health landscape in India.