Bridging Science and Ancient Wisdom: Inside IIT Mandi’s MBCC 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, one of India’s premier IITs, recently hosted the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC 2026) from June 3–6, 2026, at its scenic Kamand campus in Himachal Pradesh. Organized by the Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) Centre under the Ministry of Education’s Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division, the conference created a vibrant platform to explore consciousness, cognition, well-being, and human flourishing by blending modern science with India’s rich intellectual traditions.

The four-day event attracted over 500 participants from across the globe, including researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, policymakers, students, and practitioners. With an impressive lineup of more than 290 technical presentations, 100 poster sessions, 18 keynote lectures, and several panel discussions, workshops, and competitions, MBCC 2026 offered something for everyone interested in understanding the human mind and beyond. Topics ranged from neuroscience and psychology to yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, artificial intelligence, and Sanskrit studies—highlighting the conference’s truly interdisciplinary nature.

What made MBCC 2026 stand out was its unique effort to bring together two worlds—modern scientific inquiry and ancient Indian Knowledge Systems. The conference encouraged meaningful dialogue around some of humanity’s most profound questions, such as the nature of consciousness, mental health challenges, and pathways to overall well-being.

The inaugural ceremony was both intellectually stimulating and culturally enriching. It was graced by Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and scholar, who attended as the Chief Guest. She also captivated the audience with a special Bharatanatyam performance alongside her ensemble, adding a cultural dimension to the event. Another highlight of the conference was the participation of Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, one of India’s most celebrated Hindustani classical vocalists, who delivered a keynote address and performed a special concert on June 4, 2026.

Also present at the inauguration was Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, National Coordinator of the IKS Division and Chief Patron of the conference. He praised IIT Mandi for its pioneering work in establishing one of the largest IKS centres in the country and for pushing the boundaries of research in consciousness studies.

A special moment during the opening ceremony was the release of several important books and conference proceedings. These included the MBCC 2023 and MBCC 2025 Proceedings, Karma Yoga 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 Ajay Chaturvedi, and Musiopathy by Chitravina N. Ravikiran.

The conference also brought together an impressive group of global and Indian experts. International speakers such as Prof. Stuart Hameroff (USA), Prof. Giorgio Ascoli (USA), Prof. Dimitris A. Pinotsis (UK), and Prof. Pieter-Jan Maes (Belgium) shared the stage with distinguished Indian voices like BK Shivani, Prof. Sisir Roy, Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, and Dr. Sushrut Jadhav, among others. This diverse participation enriched discussions and fostered new perspectives.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, emphasized the broader vision behind the conference. He noted that India’s aspiration to become a “Vishwa Guru” is rooted not just in economic progress but in advancing human well-being and values. He highlighted that while research in consciousness and mental health is still evolving, consistent efforts in this direction can address pressing global issues such as addiction, stress, and holistic human development.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam spoke about the timeless strength of India’s knowledge traditions. She emphasized that education in India has always been about holistic growth and liberation, not just skill acquisition. She praised IIT Mandi for innovatively integrating science, technology, arts, and spirituality, thereby shaping future generations equipped with both intellectual depth and strong values.

Overall, MBCC 2026 reaffirmed IIT Mandi’s commitment to creating meaningful intersections between ancient wisdom and modern science. The conference successfully combined rigorous academic discourse with cultural richness, leaving participants with fresh collaborations, renewed inspiration, and a shared vision for advancing research on consciousness, well-being, and the future of human knowledge.