New Delhi — In a landmark move to prioritize mental well-being as a national health imperative, the Indian government has appointed acclaimed actor Deepika Padukone as the country’s first-ever mental health ambassador. The announcement, made by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on World Mental Health Day (October 10), marks a historic step toward destigmatizing mental health conversations in India.

Padukone, who has openly shared her own battle with depression, is expected to bring authenticity, influence, and empathy to the role. Her appointment signals a new era in India’s public health narrative—one that places mental wellness at the same level of urgency as physical health.

“Deepika’s voice has the power to normalize conversations about mental well-being,” said Nadda during the launch. “Through her advocacy, we aim to encourage people to seek help without fear or shame.”

A National Push for Mental Health

Mental health is now a critical public health priority under India’s National Health Policy. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has been expanding programs to make care accessible and affordable, especially through digital initiatives such as the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) and the District Mental Health Programme.

The Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) initiative—launched on October 10, 2022—has emerged as the digital backbone of India’s mental health outreach. With 53 Tele-MANAS centers nationwide, the service offers 24×7 counseling in multiple languages through toll-free helplines 14416 and 1-800-891-4416.

Since its launch, over 2.8 million calls have been handled by trained professionals across 20+ languages, demonstrating India’s growing readiness to confront mental health challenges head-on.

Tele-MANAS App Gets Major Upgrade

To make mental health support more inclusive and accessible, the government has also rolled out a new version of the Tele-MANAS mobile app, now available in 10 regional languages—including Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, and Malayalam—alongside English and Hindi.

The update brings several features designed for universal accessibility, such as a visually impaired–friendly interface, an emergency response module, and a multilingual chatbot named “Asmi”, which guides users through information and support options.

“These digital enhancements reflect our commitment to making mental health care truly inclusive,” Nadda said, emphasizing the app’s expanded reach among vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.

Deepika’s Role: Advocacy Beyond the Screen

As India’s first mental health ambassador, Deepika Padukone will collaborate with the Ministry to raise awareness, normalize help-seeking behavior, and promote mental wellness through campaigns, educational content, and public outreach. Her involvement aligns with the mission of her own foundation, The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which has long advocated for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Her appointment symbolizes more than a celebrity endorsement—it’s a cultural shift. In a country where silence often surrounds emotional distress, Padukone’s presence offers a bridge between empathy, awareness, and action.

A Defining Step in India’s Health Journey

India’s partnership with Deepika Padukone underscores a vital truth: mental health is public health. By integrating empathy-driven advocacy with scalable government programs like Tele-MANAS, the nation is building a more open, inclusive, and supportive ecosystem for mental well-being.

As conversations grow louder and stigma begins to fade, this initiative could redefine how a billion people view mental health—not as a weakness, but as an integral part of being human.