June 2 : Mandi: The Indian Institute of Technology , Mandi, one of India’s IITs, invites scholars, researchers, practitioners, students, media representatives, and members of the public to participate in the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference , to be held from 3rd to 6th June 2026 at its picturesque campus nestled in the Kamand valley, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Organized by the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre, IIT Mandi, MBCC has emerged as a flagship international conference dedicated to exploring one of humanity’s most profound questions – the nature of consciousness – through a unique dialogue between modern science and the timeless wisdom of the Indian Knowledge Systems .
A major highlight of this year’s conference will be the presence of two of India’s most celebrated cultural icons. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, the legendary Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, choreographer, and researcher, will grace the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest and present a special Bharatanatyam performance with her ensemble on the evening of 3 June 2026. The conference will also host Padma Bhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, one of India’s foremost Hindustani classical vocalists, who will deliver a keynote address and enthral the audience with a special Indian classical music concert on 4 June 2026.
The conference serves as a unique meeting ground where ancient wisdom traditions and modern scientific inquiry come together to address questions of consciousness, cognition, wellbeing, and human flourishing. Building upon the success of its previous editions, MBCC 2026 has already attracted more than 400 participants from India and abroad. The conference will feature over 250 technical presentations, 18 keynote lectures, 8 invited talks, 3 panel discussions, workshops, competitions, and a wide range of interdisciplinary sessions spanning consciousness studies, neuroscience, cognitive science, yoga and meditation, Ayurveda, Sanskrit studies, artificial intelligence, mental health, and Indian Knowledge Systems.
The conference will bring together an extraordinary gathering of distinguished scholars and thought leaders from around the world. Internationally renowned experts including Prof. Stuart Hameroff (USA), Prof. Giorgio Ascoli (USA), Prof. Dimitris A. Pinotsis (UK), Prof. Pieter-Jan Maes (Belgium), Prof. Josefa Becerra Gonzalez (Mexico), and Prof. Ithamar Theodor (Israel) will join eminent Indian scholars and practitioners such as BK Shivani, Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, Prof. Sisir Roy, Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, Prof. Shekhar P. Seshadri, Prof. Nachiketa Tiwari, Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory, Dr. Sushrut Jadhav, and several other leading voices working at the intersection of science, consciousness, health, and Indian knowledge traditions.
The conference is being organized under the patronage of the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, Government of India, with Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, National Coordinator, IKS Division, serving as Conference Patron. MBCC 2026 is led by an eminent team of General Chairs comprising Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (Director, IIT Mandi), Prof. Shekhar Mande (President, INSA), Prof. Sisir Roy, and Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay, whose collective vision has helped establish MBCC as one of India’s foremost interdisciplinary forums on consciousness studies and Indian Knowledge Systems.
Speaking on the significance of MBCC 2026, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said :
“The integration of mind, brain, and consciousness, with consciousness viewed as a fundamental reality as proposed in Indian Knowledge Systems, may hold the key to a deeper understanding of human wellbeing and offer new directions for addressing mental health challenges and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia. Through MBCC 2026, we seek to establish a global dialogue that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to advance humanity’s understanding of consciousness and its role in health and wellbeing.”
Set amidst the tranquil Uhl River Valley of Himachal Pradesh, IIT Mandi offers an inspiring environment for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration. Through its unique blend of scientific excellence, traditional wisdom, cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary engagement, MBCC 2026 promises to be a landmark event for scholars, practitioners, innovators, and seekers alike. The organizers cordially invite members of the media, academic institutions, researchers, students, industry professionals, and all interested participants to join this extraordinary gathering in the Himalayas and be part of a global conversation on consciousness, wellbeing, and the future of human knowledge.