Deepika Padukone reacts to SC ruling on student mental health; calls it 'landmark'

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is once again using her platform to spotlight a cause deeply personal to her: mental health. Taking to her Instagram Stories, the actress recently celebrated what she called a “landmark step for Student Mental Health!” by sharing a post from her non-profit organisation, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF).

The post featured a simplified version of the Supreme Court’s newly issued guidelines for the mental well-being of students, which mark a crucial step in recognising mental health as a fundamental right under Article 21, the Right to Life and Dignity. The top court’s decision came after hearing a plea related to the tragic death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant in 2024. In response, the court issued 15 actionable guidelines urging institutions to prioritise student mental wellness.

According to the verdict, all educational institutes with 100 or more students must now appoint at least one trained mental health professional. Smaller institutes are encouraged to collaborate with external experts. Moreover, schools and colleges must create a mental health policy based on frameworks like the Ummeed draft, the Manodarpan initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, to be reviewed and displayed publicly every year.

For Deepika, this isn’t just news, it’s a mission. Having battled depression herself, the actress has long been an advocate for mental health awareness. In 2015, she founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which aims to reduce stigma, promote mental health education, and provide support for those in need. Over the years, TLLLF has launched programs across India that address issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, working with schools, NGOs, and mental health professionals to expand its reach.

On the work front, Deepika continues to balance her advocacy with a packed film slate. After stepping away from Spirit, the actress is now making waves with her high-octane role in Atlee’s upcoming action film opposite Allu Arjun. The teaser introducing her fierce new avatar has already set social media abuzz.

By celebrating such a powerful judicial move, Deepika once again proves that her stardom goes beyond the silver screen, it also shines a spotlight on real issues that matter.