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The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi hosted the International Mind Brain and Consciousness Conference MBCC 2026 at its Kamand campus in Himachal Pradesh. This event demonstrated the positioning of the Mandi IIT at the center of the rapidly expanding global dialogue on the science of consciousness and mental health, neuroscience, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Coordinated by the Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health Applications Centre and the Indian Knowledge Systems Division of the Ministry of Education of the Government of India, the MBCC 2026 Conference was an opportunity for people from various disciplines, including mental health professions, education, policy, and research, to meet and exchange ideas.
The MBCC 2026 Conference was scheduled from June 3 to June 6, 2026, and hosted over 500 participants and experts from various disciplines, including but not limited to, neuroscience and psychology, artificial intelligence, yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, Sanskrit, cognitive science, education, and mental health. The MBCC 2026 Conference was one of the largest and most important interdisciplinary conferences in India that brought together scientific and formal Indian knowledge systems to explore the fields of consciousness and human wellbeing.
The Conference had over 290 talks and almost 100 poster presentations. Other modalities of participation were keynote speeches, personal invitations, talks, panels, workshops, and interactive sessions. Experts and researchers studied the implications of neuroscience and human behavior for the fields of artificial intelligence and human contemplation and emotional health and meditation.
MBCC 2026 attracted numerous renowned scholars and cultural celebrities. Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, presented the conference with an enhancement of its cultural importance and an element of its academic depth.
One of the most impressive attendees of the conference was Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, a highly regarded Hindustani classical vocalist. He was involved with the conference as a keynoter and performer of classical music. The conference organizers aimed to utilize the music and performing art as a way to demonstrate how the involved artforms can influence emotional and cognitive responses.
The participation of an international audience gave the MBCC 2026 a global outlook. Conference participants collaborated with Indian regional researchers and practitioners on the recent advances in studying consciousness and the well-being sciences. There were a number of noted participants who provided valuable input on topics concerning neuroscience, quantum cognition, and meditation, as well as the psychology and philosophy of human consciousness.
Notable participants included Prof. Stuart Hameroff, Prof. Giorgio Ascoli, Prof. Dimitris A. Pinotsis, Prof. Pieter Jan Maes, Prof. Josefa Becerra Gonzalez, and Prof. Ithamar Theodor. Several noted Indian speakers were BK Shivani, Prof. Ganti S Murthy, Prof. Sisir Roy, and Drs. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, and Shekhar P Seshadri. Others included were from various fields such as mental health and spirituality.
A major event at the conference was the launching of multiple new volumes and scholarly publications in the field of consciousness studies and the Indian Knowledge Systems. Other notable volumes included the MBCC conference proceedings and research publications in Karma Yoga, Indian Knowledge Systems, and Music Therapy. The new publications illustrate the growing research and scholarly activity in this emerging interdisciplinary field.
Speaking at the event, IIT Mandi Director Prof. Laxmidhar Behera highlighted the importance of integrating scientific advancements with value based education and spiritual understanding. He stated that India’s aspiration of becoming a global knowledge leader depends not only on technological progress but also on research connected with consciousness, human wellbeing, ethics, and mental health. According to him, long term scientific inquiry into consciousness can contribute towards addressing challenges such as addiction, emotional stress, behavioural imbalance, and mental health disorders.
Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam also emphasised that Indian knowledge traditions have historically viewed education as a path toward holistic human development rather than merely professional success. She appreciated IIT Mandi’s efforts in creating a platform where ancient wisdom traditions and contemporary scientific research can work together for the advancement of humanity.
The growing international interest in consciousness research has become particularly significant in recent years due to increasing concerns surrounding stress, anxiety, emotional wellbeing, and the societal impact of rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence. Institutions across the world are now exploring how neuroscience, meditation, psychology, and philosophical traditions can contribute toward a better understanding of the human mind and behaviour.
In this context, MBCC 2026 highlighted India’s emerging role in shaping global conversations around consciousness and wellbeing through the integration of scientific methods and traditional knowledge systems. The conference also reflected IIT Mandi’s expanding reputation as a centre for interdisciplinary innovation that extends beyond conventional technical education.
By combining scientific presentations, philosophical dialogue, cultural performances, and collaborative research discussions, MBCC 2026 created a unique academic environment focused on human flourishing and the future of consciousness studies. The successful organisation of the conference has strengthened IIT Mandi’s position in the global academic landscape and opened new opportunities for collaborative research in consciousness, mental wellbeing, education, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
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