Actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has been officially appointed as the first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’ by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
A major step toward normalizing mental health discussions and creating a more robust, inclusive ecosystem throughout India, the announcement was made on October 10, 2025, World Mental Health Day.
The appointment also marks the tenth anniversary of Deepika Padukone's non-profit organization, The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, which promotes mental health awareness and support.
‘Deeply Honoured,’ Says Deepika Padukone
In an official statement, Deepika Padukone said,
“I am deeply honoured to serve as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health & 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.”
As part of her new role, Deepika Padukone will collaborate with the Ministry on several key initiatives:
- Raising mental health awareness and promoting de-stigmatization efforts.
- Encouraging help-seeking behaviour and early intervention.
- Promoting Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) — India’s national mental health helpline.
She will also contribute to shaping strategic interventions that improve equitable access to mental health care.
Government’s Vision for a Healthier India
Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda welcomed the collaboration, stating,
“The partnership with Ms. 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.”
The initiative reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to make mental health a national priority.
A Decade of Impact by The Live Love Laugh Foundation
Since its founding in 2015, The Live Love Laugh Foundation's Rural Community Mental Health Program has served more than 21,000 PWMIs and their caregivers in 15 districts throughout eight states.
Along with initiatives like "You Are Not Alone" for schoolchildren and a Doctors Program for general practitioners, the foundation has spearheaded significant campaigns like "Dobara Poocho" and "#NotAshamed." LLL recently extended its reach into workplaces with the launch of a corporate mental health and well-being initiative.
Also read: Rishab Shetty visits Siddhivinayak Temple after Kantara Chapter 1 crosses Rs 500 crore worldwide
FAQs
1. What is Deepika Padukone’s new role with the Health Ministry?
Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
2. What will Deepika Padukone’s responsibilities include?
She will work to raise awareness, reduce stigma, promote Tele MANAS, and support government mental health initiatives.
3. What is The Live Love Laugh Foundation known for?
It’s Deepika Padukone’s non-profit organization, dedicated to mental health awareness, rural outreach, and national advocacy campaigns.
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