Consciousness, Culture, and the Himalayas: What to Expect at IIT Mandi’s MBCC 2026
2nd June 2026, Mandi – Imagine sitting in a lush green valley, the Uhl River murmuring nearby, while some of the world’s brightest minds and most soulful artists come together to explore a question that has fascinated humanity for millennia: What is consciousness?
That’s exactly what’s happening at IIT Mandi from 3rd to 6th June 2026. The institute is hosting the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC 2026) – and this year, it’s not just about lectures and research papers. It’s a celebration of ideas, art, and ancient wisdom, all nestled in the serene Kamand valley of Himachal Pradesh.
The conference is organized by IIT Mandi’s IKSMHA Centre (Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications). Over the years, MBCC has become a unique space where modern science and India’s timeless knowledge traditions sit down for a genuine conversation. And this time, that conversation comes alive through music and dance.
Two legends, two unforgettable evenings
On 3rd June, the inaugural ceremony will be graced by Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam – the legendary Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, and choreographer. She’ll not only be the Chief Guest but will also present a special Bharatanatyam performance with her ensemble. The very next evening, Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, one of India’s most revered Hindustani classical vocalists, will deliver a keynote address and then hold the audience spellbound with a classical music concert.
It’s not every day that a technical institute’s conference feels like a festival of culture and inquiry – but MBCC 2026 promises just that.
More than 400 participants, 250 presentations, and a galaxy of thinkers
Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s event has already drawn over 400 participants from India and abroad. There will be 18 keynote lectures, 8 invited talks, 3 panel discussions, hands-on workshops, competitions, and over 250 technical presentations. Topics range from neuroscience and cognitive science to yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Sanskrit studies, artificial intelligence, and mental health – all woven together with threads from Indian Knowledge Systems.
The list of speakers reads like a who’s who of consciousness research and holistic wellbeing. International experts include 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). Joining them are celebrated Indian voices 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, Dr. Sushrut Jadhav, and many more.
A vision rooted in wellbeing
The conference is supported by the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, with Prof. Ganti S. Murthy as Conference Patron. The event is led by an eminent team of General Chairs: Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (Director, IIT Mandi), Prof. Shekhar Mande (President, INSA), Prof. Sisir Roy, and Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay.
Speaking about what makes MBCC 2026 special, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera shared:
“The integration of mind, brain, and consciousness – with consciousness viewed as a fundamental reality, as proposed in Indian Knowledge Systems – may hold the key to a deeper understanding of human wellbeing. It could offer new directions for addressing mental health challenges and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. Through MBCC 2026, we want to build a global dialogue that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science.”
Come, be part of the conversation
Whether you’re a researcher, a student, a practitioner, a journalist, or simply someone curious about the nature of the mind and the beauty of Indian culture – you are warmly invited. The tranquil hills of IIT Mandi provide the perfect backdrop for reflection, learning, and connection.
Mark your calendars for 3–6 June 2026. Come for the science, stay for the music, the dance, and the quiet magic of the Himalayas. Let’s explore consciousness together.
