• Organised by the IKSMHA Centre, IIT Mandi, under
the patronage of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of
Education, Government of India.
•
MBCC 2026 convened 500+ global experts on consciousness and wellbeing.
• More than 290
technical presentations and 18 keynote lectures highlighted the convergence of
contemporary science and Indian Knowledge Systems in advancing consciousness
research.
Mandi : 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.