IIT Mandi Successfully Hosted MBCC 2026
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, one of India’s leading IITs, successfully hosted the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC 2026) from June 3–6, 2026, at its Kamand campus in Himachal Pradesh. Organized by the Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) Centre under the patronage of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the conference served as a major interdisciplinary platform exploring consciousness, cognition, wellbeing, and human flourishing through the integration of modern science and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).
MBCC 2026 brought together over 500 participants, including researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, practitioners, students, and policymakers from India and abroad. The conference featured more than 290 technical presentations, 100 posters, 18 keynote lectures, 7 invited talks, 3 panel discussions, 2 workshops, 4 competitions, and interactive sessions spanning consciousness studies, neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Sanskrit studies, artificial intelligence, mental health, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
The conference provided a unique platform where contemporary scientific inquiry and Indian Knowledge Systems converged to examine fundamental questions related to consciousness, cognition, mental health, and human flourishing.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, choreographer, and researcher, who attended the conference as the Chief Guest. She also presented a special Bharatanatyam performance with her ensemble. The conference will also host Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, one of India’s foremost Hindustani classical vocalists, who will deliver a keynote address and enthral the audience with a special Indian classical music concert on 4 June 2026. The inauguration was also attended by Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, National Coordinator of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Chief Patron of the conference. Appreciating IIT Mandi’s pioneering efforts, Prof. Murthy highlighted the institute’s role in establishing one of the largest IKS centres in the country and its innovative initiatives towards consciousness studies.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of several important books and conference publications. These included the MBCC 2023 Proceedings, MBCC 2025 Proceedings, Karma Yoga authored by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Indian Knowledge Systems: A Primer by Prof. Gautam R. Desiraju and team, Holy Tulsi Consciousness & Trikayee by Dr. Mahesh Lohar and team, The Secret Time of Code by Mr. Ajay Chaturvedi, and Musiopathy by Chitravina N. Ravikiran.
The conference witnessed participation from distinguished scholars and thought leaders from around the world. International experts including Prof. Stuart Hameroff (USA), Prof. Giorgio Ascoli (USA), Prof. Dimitris A. Pinotsis (UK), Prof. Pieter-Jan Maes (Belgium), Prof. Josefa Becerra Gonzalez (Mexico), and Prof. Ithamar Theodor (Israel) joined eminent Indian scholars and practitioners such as BK Shivani, Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, Prof. Sisir Roy, Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, Prof. Shekhar P. Seshadri, Prof. Nachiketa Tiwari, Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory, and Dr. Sushrut Jadhav.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said “India’s vision of becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’ goes beyond material prosperity and is rooted in human well-being, consciousness, and value-based development. While research in this domain is still at an early stage, sustained scientific inquiry over the coming years can help address critical challenges such as mental health, addiction, and human development. By integrating modern science with India’s rich spiritual and knowledge traditions, we can create meaningful solutions for society and contribute to global progress.”
Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Chief Guest, said “India’s knowledge traditions have always viewed education as a means of liberation and holistic growth. IIT Mandi is carrying this vision forward by bringing together science, technology, arts, and spirituality in a meaningful way. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary research, the institute is nurturing a generation that can lead with both intellectual excellence and human values, contributing to Bharat’s emergence as a global leader in knowledge and innovation.”
MBCC 2026 reinforced IIT Mandi’s commitment to fostering dialogue between ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary scientific inquiry. The event successfully blended scientific discourse, traditional wisdom, and cultural excellence, concluding with renewed collaborations aimed at advancing research on consciousness, wellbeing, and the future of human knowledge.
