The day witnessed the keynote address by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living Foundation, addressed participants virtually, stating, ““Science now agrees that spirituality plays a vital role in mind and consciousness. Happiness is a concept of consciousness, nurtured through meditation, sattvic food, and pranayama.”

During the occasion, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi and General Chair of MBCC, emphasized that consciousness is central to both science and self-realization, “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 Center, shared the center’s mission and achievements, including the establishment of a dedicated sleep research lab and active collaboration with national institutions like DRDO, AYUSH Ministry, and others.

Renowned Indologist Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami called the conference a “yagya of knowledge,” led by students and fueled by the light of consciousness.

An MoU was also signed between IIT Mandi and the Art of Living Foundation, strengthening collaboration in consciousness and mental well-being research.

What MBCC 2025 Offers Over Four Days:

·         110+ full paper presentations

·         60+ poster presentations

·         12 thematic special sessions on topics like cognitive biomarkers, neuroimaging, AI and consciousness, Ayurvedic psychiatry, reincarnation studies, and more.

·         4 keynote talks and 3 plenary talks by luminaries including Prof. B. N. Gangadhar, Prof. Gautam Desiraju, Prof. Shrinivasa Varakedi, Prof. Nirmalya Chakraborty and HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami.

·         6 invited talks by high-profile national and international scholars.

·         2 expert panel discussions on IKS, cognition, and civilizational consciousness.

·         2 immersive workshops by Dharma in Indian Katha Parampara and Sattvic Cooking for Mental and Physical Health

·         3 cultural evenings showcasing music, dance, and storytelling traditions connected with Indian consciousness

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The MoU was signed between Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students Affairs, IIT Kanpur, and Mr. Rajesh Jagasia, Director, The Art of Living Foundation, in the presence of Dr. Mahesh Gupta, Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Tajdarul Hassan Syed, Associate Dean Students Affairs, IIT Kanpur; Ms. Sweta Kumar, Project Executive Officer, IIT Kanpur; Mr. Rajeev Padmanabhan Nambiar, Director, Institutional Programs, The Art of Living; Mr. Karn Garg, AOL Apex Body Member from UP; Mr. Archit Saxena, AOL Faculty; and Mr. Deep Garg.

As part of this collaboration, TAOL will conduct specialized sessions at IIT Kanpur that integrate meditation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices to enhance focus, emotional stability, and overall mental well-being. The program will include interactive sessions, group activities, and guided meditation programs led by experienced facilitators from TAOL. The first phase of the initiative is scheduled to commence in the last week of March for interested students at IIT Kanpur, with plans for continued engagement to ensure lasting impact.

Speaking on the partnership, Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of  Students Affairs, IIT Kanpur, said, “At IIT Kanpur, we believe that academic excellence goes hand in hand with mental and emotional well-being. By collaborating with TAOL, we aim to equip our students with practical tools that will help them manage stress effectively and enhance their overall quality of life.”

Mr. Rajesh Jagasia, Director, The Art of Living Foundation said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IIT Kanpur. Our programs have been transformative for individuals across various fields, and we look forward to bringing these benefits to the bright young minds at IIT Kanpur.”

IIT Kanpur continues to take a proactive approach toward student wellness, recognizing that mental health plays a crucial role in academic and professional success. This initiative reflects the institute’s broader vision of integrating well-being practices into campus life, creating an environment that nurtures both intellectual and emotional development. By introducing structured mental wellness programs, IIT Kanpur strives to equip students with sustainable coping strategies, ensuring they thrive in all aspects of life.

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