About

Figure 1. The conceptualization of IKSMHA is grounded in mind, brain, and consciousness via applications from consciousness studies, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicinal research, and other Indian performing arts (Music, dance, traditional Indian languages, etc.).

The research and teaching under the Centre include the following IKS areas: consciousness studies, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine research, and other Indian performing arts. The Centre's research is grounded in interdisciplinary scientific methods and involves a number of methodologies from cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, sports science, chemistry, biology, and experiment design.

about

Uniqueness

The proposed Centre will be unique on account of the following:

It is the first of its kind Centre focused on the rural Himachali communities in India.

It is the first of its kind Centre at an IIT in India.

It is the first of its kind Centre that brings topics concerning IKS and MH under a common umbrella.

It is the first of its kind Centre that offers socio-techno wellness for outreach.

It is the first of its kind Centre that offers an interdisciplinary mix of faculty and programs.

about

Research and Labs

The IKSMHA Centre at IIT Mandi establishes a variety of research labs including EEG/ERP lab, Neurostimulation lab, Eye-tracking lab, AR/VR and Motion lab, Dance and Music lab, Biosensors lab, Sleep and Cognition lab, and the IKS Wellness Centre. The Centre offers several postgraduate and doctoral programs, such as M.Tech. (Research) in Cognitive Science, IKS, Neuroscience, and Music & Musopathy, as well as Ph.D. programs in IKS, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Music and Musopathy. These teaching programs are supported by numerous teaching labs to provide hands-on learning experiences and practical training for students.

Deliverables

The IKSMHA Centre has several deliverables and outcomes that are beneficial to society. Some of these outcomes are detailed below:

High-quality research that evaluates the efficacy of IKS and MH among both the healthy and unhealthy populations.

Skill development activities produce next-generation IKS and MH researchers, which include undergraduate students, postgraduate students, doctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty.

State-of-the-art facility for research in areas in IKS and MH in India, which can be leased by other researchers and labs in India and abroad for research.

State-of-the-art IKS Wellness Centre, which provides a bouquet of IKS interventions for improving mental health and wellbeing. This Centre could be utilized by both national and international visitors, who would like to experience IKS and Indian art in the pristine Himalayan environment.