IIT Madras sets up centre to study spirituality, meditation, and society

IIT Madras has launched a new interdisciplinary center aimed at studying the relationship between spirituality, scientific inquiry, and societal well-being, signaling a broader push to integrate mental and emotional health into academic research.

The newly established Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science, and Society will focus on understanding consciousness and human well-being through collaborative work across disciplines such as science, humanities, medicine, and architecture.

It will also examine the measurable and societal effects of meditation and spiritual practices while designing academic courses and public engagement initiatives around these themes.

The initiative has been made possible through a ₹5 crore contribution from IIT Madras alumnus Sant Rajinder Singh ji Maharaj, an internationally known spiritual leader.

A 1967 BTech graduate in Electrical Engineering from the institute, he currently leads Science of Spirituality, also referred to in India as Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, which has a presence in over 50 countries with more than 3,400 centers.

The center was formally inaugurated on March 10, 2026, in the presence of Sant Rajinder Singh ji Maharaj; Mata Rita; members of the Science of Spirituality leadership; IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti; Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) Prof Ashwin Mahalingam; Prof Rajesh Kumar, who is Professor-in-charge of the center and Head of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences; CEO of the Office of Institutional Advancement Kaviraj Nair; along with other dignitaries.

Highlighting the need for such an initiative, Prof V Kamakoti, said, “At IIT Madras, student wellness and mental health have always been a priority. Meditation and a spiritually grounded way of life play an important role in ensuring the wholesome growth of a student’s mind, body, and soul.”

“A center dedicated to exploring the science of spirituality and its impact on society is therefore the need of the hour. We are honored to partner with one of our esteemed alumni, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, whose generous contribution has enabled IIT Madras to take this important step forward,” Kamakoti added.

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj has also supported several institutional initiatives in the past, including Merit-cum-Means Scholarships, chair professorships, and contributions to the Heritage Centre at IIT Madras.

Outlining the broader purpose of the center, Sant Maharaj said, “As global research continues to highlight the role of meditation in enhancing focus, efficiency, and overall well-being, it is important to recognize that its true purpose goes beyond measurable benefits. Meditation helps individuals understand their true selves, experience inner peace, and foster deeper harmony in their relationships with others.”

The research agenda of the center will include areas such as meditation and human health, physiological aspects of spiritual experiences, the design of spiritual spaces, intersections of medicine and spirituality, and other interdisciplinary themes.

Commenting on its academic role, Prof Rajesh Kumar, Head, Dept of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, said, “The Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science, and Society is a unique addition to the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.”

“The HS programs and courses have been aimed at providing societal directions to scientific innovations. This center will help us add personal and mental well-being to the core of technological innovations,” Kumar added.

The center will introduce elective courses related to meditation and spirituality, support doctoral and postdoctoral research, and host conferences and workshops. Plans are also underway to set up a dedicated mind-body-soul laboratory for teaching, research, and meditation practices.