The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, invites scholars, researchers, practitioners, students, media representatives, and members of the public to participate in the 3rd International Mind, Brain and Consciousness Conference (MBCC 2026), to be held from 3rd to 6th June 2026 at its in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Organized by the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) 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 (IKS).
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. 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.
Speaking on the significance of MBCC 2026, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said “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.”
