The 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC 2026), a significant global gathering dedicated to exploring consciousness, cognition, wellbeing, and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi's Kamand campus in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. This four-day conference, which will continue until June 6, serves as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue that links modern scientific research with India's traditional knowledge systems. It brings together leading scholars, scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, practitioners, students, and policymakers from across the world.
Organizers and Participants
The conference is organized by the Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) Centre, under the patronage of the Indian Knowledge Systems Division of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The event has attracted over 500 participants from India and abroad. It aims to deepen the understanding of consciousness and cognition while examining their relevance to mental health, human flourishing, and sustainable societal development.
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, an internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, choreographer, and researcher, who attended as the chief guest. She also presented a special Bharatanatyam performance along with her ensemble. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, emphasized the importance of consciousness research in shaping India's future. He stated that India's aspiration to become a 'Vishwa Guru' goes beyond economic and technological advancement and is rooted in promoting human wellbeing, consciousness, and value-based development.
Chief Guest's Remarks
Chief Guest Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam highlighted the enduring relevance of India's knowledge traditions. She noted that education in the Indian context has always been viewed as a pathway to liberation and holistic growth. She praised IIT Mandi for creating an environment where science, technology, arts, and spirituality complement one another, adding that such initiatives are nurturing a generation capable of combining intellectual excellence with human values.
Publications Released
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the release of several important publications, including 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 and Trikayee by Dr. Mahesh Lohar and collaborators, The Secret Time of Code by Ajay Chaturvedi, and Musiopathy by Chitravina N. Ravikiran.
Conference Program
The conference features more than 290 technical presentations, 100 poster presentations, 18 keynote lectures, seven invited talks, three panel discussions, two workshops, and four competitions. With the conference now underway, participants are expected to engage in extensive discussions and collaborations aimed at advancing the understanding of consciousness through the combined lens of science and Indian knowledge traditions. The event is set to conclude on June 6.
