“Led by PM Modi, our nation has taken meaningful steps…,” says Deepika Padukone after being appointed as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Deepika Padukone, the famous Bollywood star and founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, has been named India’s first Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The news was announced on World Mental Health Day, a global event that raises awareness about mental well‑being.
She thanked the government in a heartfelt Instagram message, stating that she feels “deeply honored” to take on the role. The actress highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has put mental health at the center of India’s public‑health agenda. Deepika added that her decade‑long work with the TLLL Foundation shows what can happen when the country unites to build a mentally healthy society.
The appointment comes after meetings with Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava. Nadda said Deepika’s involvement will strengthen the focus on mental health and help people seek timely support through government‑approved resources. He added that the partnership would normalize discussions, reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral part of public health.
In her new role, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry to:
* Raise mental‑health awareness nationwide
* Promote de‑stigmatisation campaigns
* Encourage help‑seeking and preventive practices
* Support Tele MANAS, India’s tele‑mental‑health service that connects patients to care across states
Her support follows the founder’s personal experience with depression, which inspired the TLLL Foundation in 2015. Deepika has openly shared her journey, using her platform to spread mental‑health messages.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke on World Mental Health Day, urging the country to make conversations about mental health mainstream and praising professionals who help people heal. He called for a collective effort to create environments where mental‑health discussions are normal.
World Mental Health Day, observed every year on October 10, was first observed in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. This year’s campaign focuses on urgent support for people in humanitarian emergencies, according to the World Health Organization.
The appointment of Deepika Padukone as Mental Health Ambassador signals India’s growing commitment to mental‑wellness and the importance of public figures championing a healthier, more compassionate society.
Source: aninews
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