Actress Deepika Padukone, who founded The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation in 2014, has been appointed as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The development comes on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated on October 10 every year. Her appointment marks a landmark step by the government ministry to inspire a more supportive mental health ecosystem in the country.
Deepika Padukone appointed Mental Health ambassador
On the occasion, Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, shared, “The partnership with Ms. Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalise discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health.”
Commenting on the appointment, Deepika shared, “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 prioritising 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 role, Padukone is expected to work closely with the Ministry to:
- Raise mental health awareness and promote de-stigmatisation efforts.
- Encourage help-seeking behaviour and preventive efforts.
- Promote Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States), and other government-approved mental health resources.
She will also be collaborating with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in building other strategic interventions for equitable mental health care access.
About Deepika Padukone`s The Live Love Laugh Foundation
The appointment comes as just when The Live Love Laugh Foundation, Padukone’s charitable trust, completes 10 years of service and impact.
Over the last decade, the foundation has built paths of care through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health Program for over 21,931 people with Mental Illness (PWMIs) as well as their caregivers, in 15 districts in eight states. The foundation has also led pioneering nationwide public awareness campaigns, like Dobara Poocho and NotAshamed. They also started programs like You Are Not Alone for adolescent students and a Doctors Program for general practitioners.
