Renowned Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been officially appointed as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The announcement was made on Saturday through the Ministry’s social media platforms, highlighting Deepika’s longstanding advocacy for mental wellness and her personal journey with depression. Expressing her gratitude, Deepika said she was deeply honored to take on this responsibility and pledged to support India’s mental health initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the nation’s mental health framework and expand awareness about the importance of emotional well-being. As part of her role, Deepika will work closely with the Ministry to develop outreach campaigns, promote mental health education, and encourage individuals to seek professional help without stigma. Her appointment is seen as a progressive move, recognizing the growing need for dialogue around mental health issues in India, particularly among the youth.
According to the Ministry, this partnership marks a major milestone in its mission to make mental health a national priority. It seeks to build upon India’s existing efforts through various programs such as the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and Tele MANAS. With Deepika’s influence and commitment, the government hopes to drive social change, reduce prejudice surrounding psychological disorders, and foster a culture of empathy and openness across the country.
