Deepika Padukone's Foundation Expands Rural Mental Health Support in Madhya Pradesh

The Live Love Laugh Foundation (LLL) has partnered with Bisleri International to expand its rural mental health programme in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh. The three-year collaboration will strengthen support for people living with mental illness (PwMI) and their caregivers across 134 villages. Deepika Padukone, founder of LLL, welcomed the partnership as a step toward building a sustainable, community-led mental health system in the region. The programme began in January 2023, initially covering 60 villages in Chhindwara. Since then, it has grown to 134 villages, now assisting 1,595 beneficiaries. This year, the initiative extended into the Bichua block, adding 200 more PwMI across 42 villages.

The model focuses on awareness, early identification, and access to treatment. It also empowers caregivers and encourages community involvement. With Bisleri’s backing, the programme aims to deepen its reach and help villages manage mental health independently. Beyond Chhindwara, LLL’s rural mental health work spans Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Since 2015, over 30,000 PwMI and their caregivers have received support. The foundation has also run national campaigns like *Dobara Poocho* and *#NotAshamed* to reduce stigma, alongside a new corporate mental health programme for workplaces. Jayanti Chauhan, Vice Chairperson of Bisleri International, highlighted the company’s commitment to empowering rural communities. She emphasised the importance of mental health awareness in helping people shape their own futures.

The partnership will expand mental health services in Chhindwara and reinforce local systems for long-term care. Over the next three years, the programme plans to reach more villages and strengthen community-led support. The effort aligns with LLL’s broader work to improve access to mental health resources across India.