Munish Sood
MANDI: The prestigious ‘Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC-2025)’ started at IIT-Mandi in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday (June 4, 2025), marking the beginning of a four-day international event that unites cutting-edge science with ancient Indian wisdom.
Organised by the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) Center, the event brings together leading neuroscientists, philosophers, psychologists, AI experts and spiritual leaders from across the world.
Set in the serene Himalayan backdrop of IIT-Mandi, the conference runs from June 4 to 7, aiming to foster interdisciplinary dialogue around neuroscience, mental health, consciousness studies and Indian philosophical traditions.
The inaugural session featured a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a recitation of Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing the fusion of modern science with ancient knowledge systems.
Leaders set the tone on Day 1
Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT-Mandi and general chair of MBCC, opened the conference with a profound observation: “Without consciousness, the body is nothing. MBCC 2025 opens pathways for practical education, innovation, and interdisciplinary research rooted in Indian knowledge systems.”
Prof Arnav Bhavsar, Chair of the IKSMHA Centre, outlined the centre’s growing impact, highlighting projects like a state-of-the-art sleep research lab and collaborations with national bodies such as DRDO and the Ministry of AYUSH.
Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami, a renowned Indologist, described the conference as a “yagya of knowledge”—a sacred offering led by students and fuelled by the light of consciousness.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, addressing participants virtually, remarked: “Science now agrees that spirituality plays a vital role in mind and consciousness. Happiness is a concept of consciousness, nurtured through meditation, satvic food, and pranayama.”
A key milestone of the day was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IIT-Mandi and the Art of Living Foundation, aimed at deepening joint research in consciousness and mental well-being.
Highlights of MBCC-2025
Over the four days, MBCC 2025 offers a robust schedule of interdisciplinary exploration and engagement:
• 110+ full paper presentations
• 60+ poster presentations
• Twelve special sessions on topics such as cognitive biomarkers, Ayurvedic psychiatry, AI and consciousness, neuroimaging, and reincarnation studies
• Four keynote and 3 plenary talks by academic stalwarts, including Prof BN Gangadhar, Prof Gautam Desiraju, Prof Shrinivasa Varakedi, Prof Nirmalya Chakraborty, HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami
• Six invited talks by prominent national and international scholars
• Two expert panel discussions focused on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), cognition, and civilizational consciousness
• Two immersive workshops on dharma in Indian Katha Parampara and sattvic cooking for mental and physical health
• Three cultural evenings showcasing India’s rich storytelling, music, and dance traditions tied to consciousness
