India is significantly strengthening its mental healthcare infrastructure with the launch of new features for the Tele MANAS app. Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda unveiled these enhancements on World Mental Health Day, demonstrating India’s commitment to equitable, affordable, and inclusive mental health services. This digital initiative aims to expand the reach of mental health support to every corner of the country.
Key Enhancements to the Tele MANAS App
The updated Tele MANAS app now offers several crucial features designed to improve accessibility and user engagement. Firstly, a multi-lingual user interface makes the app available in 10 regional languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi, in addition to English and Hindi. This expansion helps overcome linguistic barriers, thus providing mental health support in a culturally sensitive manner.
Furthermore, recognizing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, the app incorporates accessibility features. These features ensure a more user-friendly interface, particularly for visually-impaired users, promoting greater inclusivity.
A new chatbot, ‘Asmi,’ has been introduced to facilitate user interaction. This AI-powered tool allows individuals to engage with the app, seeking information or immediate help concerning mental health. Additionally, an emergency module provides timely guidance and support during mental health crises, enhancing the app’s responsiveness to critical situations.
Deepika Padukone: A National Mental Health Ambassador
In a significant move to normalize discussions around mental health and reduce associated stigma, actor Deepika Padukone has been designated as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her involvement as a national advocate will focus attention on mental well-being and encourage people to seek timely support through government-approved resources.
Minister Nadda stated that this partnership with Ms. Padukone will widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues across India. It also aims to normalize conversations, thus highlighting mental health as an integral aspect of public health.
Impact and Future Vision of the Tele MANAS App
Since its inception, the Tele MANAS program has demonstrated substantial impact, handling approximately 28 lakh calls. Trained counselors engage with users in over 20 languages, assisting roughly 4,000 individuals daily. The almost equal number of men and women seeking assistance reflects growing awareness and acceptance of mental health support.
The Health Minister emphasized that “a sound mind leads to a sound body, and a healthy mind and a healthy body lead to a healthy nation.” India continues its commitment to ensuring equitable, affordable, and inclusive access to mental health services. By strengthening preparedness to respond effectively to mental health emergencies, India expands the reach of digital innovations nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What new features have been added to the Tele MANAS app?
The Tele MANAS app has received several enhancements, including a multi-lingual user interface now available in 10 regional languages, accessibility features for visually-impaired users, a new chatbot named ‘Asmi,’ and an emergency response module for timely support during crises.
Q2: Who has been appointed as India’s Mental Health Ambassador?
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has been designated as India’s first Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Her role is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek support for mental health concerns.
Q3: How many calls has the Tele MANAS program handled since its launch?
Since its inception, the Tele MANAS program has handled approximately 28 lakh calls, with trained counselors providing support in more than 20 languages. Roughly 4,000 people utilize the service daily.
References
- Nadda launches new features on Tele MANAS app on World Mental Health Day – ETHealthworld
- Deepika Padukone appointed as the first Mental Health Ambassador of the Health Ministry
- Deepika Padukone Appointed as the First Mental Health Ambassador of the Health Ministry
- Deepika Padukone appointed India’s first-ever Mental Health Ambassador by Union Health Ministry | Mint
- Deepika Padukone to lead mental health advocacy as ambassador for Health Ministry
- Union Health Health Ministry Appoints Actor Deepika Padukone As First-Ever Mental Health Ambassador – Newsonair
- Tele MANAS – Apps on Google Play
- Health Minister JP Nadda Launches Enhanced Tele MANAS App on World Mental Health Day – Newsonair
- J.P. Nadda launches new features of Tele MANAS app on World Mental Health Day 2025
- Nadda launches new features on Tele MANAS app on World Mental Health Day
- On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2025, Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda Launches New Initiatives for the Tele MANAS App – PIB
- Health Minister launches new Initiatives for Tele MANAS app – BioSpectrum India
- PM Modi’s message on World Mental Health Day 2025: ‘Let’s work collectively to…’
- Tele-MANAS App gets accessibility boost, goes multi-lingual to reach wider users
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