In a landmark move coinciding with World Mental Health Day 2025, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has announced acclaimed actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone as India’s first-ever National Mental Health Ambassador. The decision underscores the government’s growing recognition of mental health as a national priority and marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward emotional wellness and psychological support accessibility.
The appointment was confirmed after Padukone met with senior officials in New Delhi, including BJP National President J.P. Nadda, who lauded her consistent advocacy for mental health through her organization, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL). The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s mental health programs, foster awareness, and promote early intervention — particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.
A Defining Step in India’s Mental Health Mission
India has witnessed a steady rise in mental health concerns over the past decade. According to the National Mental Health Survey, one in seven Indians experiences some form of mental disorder. Despite this, awareness and treatment accessibility remain limited due to stigma, shortage of professionals, and inadequate funding.
Padukone’s appointment as a national ambassador is expected to help bridge that gap combining the reach of a public figure with the technical expertise of the Health Ministry.
“This is more than a symbolic gesture,” a senior MoHFW official told Live Hindustan. “Deepika’s journey from personal struggle to public advocacy represents the very spirit of resilience and openness we want to cultivate in society. She will play a crucial role in reshaping how India perceives and addresses mental health.”
From Survivor to Changemaker: Deepika’s Mental Health Journey
Deepika Padukone’s association with mental health is deeply personal. In 2015, at the height of her film career, she publicly revealed her battle with depression and anxiety a rare act of vulnerability in Bollywood, where public image is often tightly controlled.
Her openness sparked a nationwide conversation about mental health, breaking the silence in an industry where such topics were once taboo. Soon after, she founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL) a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting those struggling with mental health issues.
Since its inception, LLL has conducted school-based education programs, rural outreach initiatives, and partnerships with mental health professionals across India. The foundation’s work, coupled with Padukone’s continued advocacy, has won international recognition — including honors from the World Economic Forum and TIME magazine.
The Government’s Vision: ‘Mental Health for All’
The Ministry’s collaboration with Padukone aligns with its broader vision of “Mental Health for All,” a theme also echoed in this year’s World Mental Health Day focus — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophic and Emergency Situations.”
The MoHFW has been actively working to integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems through the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and Tele-MANAS, a 24×7 tele-counseling helpline that connects individuals with trained professionals across the country.
Padukone’s role will primarily involve amplifying these government initiatives through public engagement, awareness drives, and nationwide campaigns to destigmatize mental health discussions.
“We want mental well-being to become part of everyday dialogue,” said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan. “By appointing someone like Deepika, who has lived experience and an authentic voice, we hope to make mental health relatable and accessible to all citizens.”
Deepika Padukone’s Reaction: “A Responsibility I Hold Close to My Heart”
Shortly after the announcement, Padukone shared a heartfelt note on her social media platforms:
“Being appointed as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador is both an honor and a profound responsibility. Having experienced the depths of mental illness myself, I understand the power of empathy, awareness, and timely support. Together, we can build a nation that prioritizes emotional well-being as much as physical health.”
In her meeting with J.P. Nadda, Padukone expressed her commitment to working with both central and state-level agencies to expand community-based programs. The actor emphasized the need for training teachers, caregivers, and healthcare workers to identify early signs of mental distress — especially among youth and frontline workers affected by post-pandemic challenges.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The announcement drew widespread praise from across the country, with several public figures, mental health experts, and citizens applauding the initiative.
Actor Alia Bhatt tweeted, “Deepika has always been a beacon of strength and honesty when it comes to mental health. This is a proud moment for India.”
Psychiatrist Dr. Soumitra Pathare, Director of the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, called the move “a progressive step toward humanizing mental health policy.”
Even international organizations such as UNICEF India and WHO South-East Asia commended India for appointing a public figure to a mental health ambassador role, noting that celebrity-led advocacy can help dismantle deep-rooted stigma faster than institutional campaigns alone.
Bringing the Focus to Youth and Workplaces
With mental health challenges on the rise among young adults, students, and working professionals, Padukone’s outreach is expected to include initiatives targeted at educational institutions and corporate settings.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the LLL Foundation, plans to launch a series of interactive programs focusing on:
School-based mental wellness modules to teach children emotional regulation and empathy.
Workplace mental health audits encouraging companies to prioritize employee well-being.
Community counseling centers in rural and semi-urban areas, leveraging local health workers.
According to preliminary discussions, Padukone will also serve as the public face of national campaigns under the banner “Mind Matters: India’s Path to Emotional Well-being.” These programs will be broadcast across television, social media, and community radio networks to ensure accessibility.
Why This Appointment Matters
For a country as diverse and populous as India, addressing mental health is both a cultural and structural challenge. Social stigma often prevents people from seeking help, while infrastructural gaps mean that even those who do seek assistance face long waiting times or lack of qualified professionals.
Padukone’s appointment represents a new model of public engagement — one where empathy, celebrity influence, and government policy intersect to drive awareness and change.
“Mental health advocacy in India needed a recognizable, trustworthy voice,” said Dr. Rachna Khanna Singh, a clinical psychologist at Fortis Healthcare. “Deepika is not just a star — she’s someone who has lived through the pain and emerged stronger. That authenticity can inspire millions to open up and seek help.”
The Broader Context: Mental Health in Emergencies
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophic and Emergency Situations” — highlights the importance of providing psychological support during crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics.
India has faced multiple challenges on this front, from pandemic-related trauma to climate-induced displacement. Padukone’s new role also includes supporting the Ministry’s Mental Health in Disaster Response Framework, ensuring that psychological aid is part of India’s emergency preparedness and relief systems.
Her foundation, Live Love Laugh, has already worked with disaster rehabilitation teams, offering counseling and emotional support during floods and earthquakes in affected regions. By joining forces with the government, these efforts are expected to scale up nationally.
A Vision for the Future: Normalizing Conversations
Experts say the long-term goal of Padukone’s appointment is to normalize conversations about mental health — in homes, schools, workplaces, and public policy. The strategy includes encouraging people to speak openly about their emotional struggles without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Dr. Samir Parikh, Director of Behavioral Sciences at Fortis, notes: “The next generation needs to grow up seeing mental health as an essential part of their overall well-being. With Deepika leading this mission, we are taking a giant step toward that cultural shift.”
The Ministry plans to integrate the campaign with existing digital platforms like Aarogya Setu and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, making access to counseling services easier and more confidential.
Global Recognition for India’s Efforts
India’s move has garnered international attention, positioning it among a small but growing number of countries that have appointed public mental health ambassadors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office congratulated India, stating, “This is a commendable initiative that reflects the country’s commitment to integrating mental health into its national development agenda.”
Padukone’s appointment could also serve as a model for other developing nations, where mental health remains underfunded and misunderstood. Her international reputation provides an opportunity to bring India’s voice to global mental health forums, where developing countries often struggle for representation.
The Road Ahead
While the announcement marks a historic beginning, the road ahead is not without challenges. India’s mental health infrastructure still suffers from limited resources — with fewer than 0.3 psychiatrists per 100,000 people and inconsistent funding for state mental health programs.
However, policymakers believe that public engagement and celebrity-driven advocacy can accelerate change. With Deepika Padukone lending her voice to the cause, there is renewed optimism that mental health will finally receive the attention and investment it deserves.
“Every movement begins with awareness,” said Nadda during the announcement. “We believe this collaboration will help India not only talk about mental health but act on it. Deepika’s courage and compassion make her the perfect face for this mission.”
A Defining Moment for India’s Wellness Revolution
Deepika Padukone’s appointment as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador symbolizes more than just an individual honor — it represents a collective awakening. It signals that conversations once whispered in private are now being discussed at the national level, backed by the government’s commitment and the moral power of lived experience.
As India steps into this new era of mental health advocacy, the message is clear: emotional well-being is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
With Deepika Padukone at the forefront, India is not only rewriting its narrative on mental health — it is setting an example for the world, where compassion, courage, and community become the pillars of a healthier society.
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