The Third International Conference on Mind, Brain, and Consciousness (MBCC 2026) was organized from 3–6 June 2026 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India. The conference was jointly hosted by the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications (IKSMHA) Centre, IIT Mandi, bringing together eminent researchers, scientists, scholars, academicians, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the multifaceted dimensions of consciousness through an interdisciplinary perspective.

MBCC 2026 emphasized the interconnectedness of consciousness, brain sciences, and cognitive well-being while fostering meaningful dialogue between modern scientific inquiry and ancient wisdom. The conference featured more than 250 technical presentations (oral and poster) across 10 invited keynote speakers, 17 regular tracks, 19 keynote lectures, 35 invited talks, and over 100 contributory presentations distributed across 23 special sessions. In addition, the event included three thought-provoking panel discussions, multiple Springer conference proceedings, and several competitions.

On 5^th June, the panel discussion on “Elevated Consciousness for Nation Building” brought together distinguished scholars, scientists, and spiritual leaders to explore the role of consciousness in individual and societal transformation. Among the eminent panellists was Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and monk of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The session examined how higher states of consciousness contribute to ethical leadership, social harmony, character formation, and national development. The panel emphasized the need to integrate scientific inquiry with spiritual wisdom to address contemporary challenges facing humanity. In his insightful address at MBCC 2026, Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami emphasized that consciousness forms the foundational reality behind human thought, behaviour, and character. Swamiji explained that genuine and sustainable national progress cannot be achieved solely through economic growth or technological advancement; rather, it requires the upliftment and refinement of individual consciousness. According to Swamiji, character building is as important as skill development, as individuals with strong moral values contribute significantly to the well-being of society and the nation.

Swamiji further highlighted the vital importance of integrating spiritual wisdom with scientific research, noting that while science helps us understand the external world, spirituality provides insights into the inner dimensions of human existence. He stressed that values such as integrity, self-discipline, compassion, and selfless service are indispensable for nurturing responsible citizens. Concluding his presentation, Bhadreshdas Swami stated that the ultimate purpose of knowledge is not merely the accumulation of information, but the transformation of the self and the welfare of humanity.

An important academic contribution to the conference came from the Sanskrit research scholars of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. They presented research papers examining various dimensions of mind, brain, and consciousness from the perspective of the Akṣara-Puruṣottama philosophy:

These scholarly presentations demonstrated the contemporary relevance of Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana in understanding cognition, consciousness, self-discipline, memory, and spiritual psychology. By introducing these unique philosophical insights to contemporary consciousness studies, the scholars significantly enriched the conference’s academic discourse.

Overall, MBCC 2026 successfully reinforced the universal vision of “Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam” (the world is one family), highlighting that an integrated understanding of the mind, brain, and consciousness can contribute deeply toward building a harmonious, sustainable, and intellectually enriched global society.