Ranveer Singh Celebrates Deepika Becoming India’s First Mental Health Ambassador

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has been appointed as India’s inaugural Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, a milestone celebrated by her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, who expressed his pride on social media. The announcement, made on World Mental Health Day, marks a significant step in India’s efforts to prioritize mental health as a core component of public health. Deepika, the founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF), will work closely with the Ministry to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance access to mental health resources nationwide.

Ranveer Singh, beaming with pride, shared Deepika’s announcement on his Instagram Story, writing, “So incredibly proud,” alongside her post. The gesture underscored the personal and professional significance of Deepika’s new role, which aligns with her decade-long advocacy for mental health through TLLLF.

In her statement, Deepika expressed gratitude and optimism about the opportunity. “On World Mental Health Day, I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador,” she wrote. Reflecting on her personal journey with depression, she added, “Led by our Hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi, our nation has taken meaningful steps to place mental health at the heart of public health. Through my own journey and work we’ve done at @tlllfoundation over the past decade, I’ve seen how much is possible when we come together to build a mentally healthy India.”

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Deepika’s appointment comes at a time when India is intensifying efforts to address mental health challenges. Her role will involve promoting open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and supporting initiatives like Tele-MANAS, a national tele-mental health service aimed at providing equitable access to care. Her work with TLLLF, which has reached millions through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach, positions her as a powerful advocate for this cause.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda hailed the collaboration as a transformative step. “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,” he said. Nadda emphasized that Deepika’s influence and personal experience will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s mental health framework.

Deepika’s journey with mental health advocacy began with her public disclosure of her battle with depression in 2015, a courageous move that sparked nationwide conversations. Since founding TLLLF, she has spearheaded initiatives to educate communities, train healthcare professionals, and provide resources for those struggling with mental health issues. Her new role as Mental Health Ambassador amplifies these efforts, aligning with national policies to integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems.

The collaboration is expected to bolster initiatives like the National Mental Health Programme and expand access to services in rural and underserved areas. By leveraging her platform, Deepika aims to foster a culture where seeking mental health support is as normalized as seeking physical healthcare, paving the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society.

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