IIT Madras sets up research centre on spirituality, science, society with Rs 5 crore support from alumnus

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has set up a centre for advanced research on spirituality, science and society to promote research and education at the intersection of science, meditation, and human well-being.

The centre will study how spirituality and meditation can help improve mental health, learning, and students’ overall development. It will also encourage research that brings together different fields like science, humanities, medicine, and architecture.

The research centre was launched on March 10, 2026, at the IIT Madras campus, in the presence of faculty, students, and the leadership team from Science of Spirituality, along with representatives from the supporting organisation.

The research centre is supported by IIT Madras alumnus Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, who has contributed Rs 5 crore. He has also supported other initiatives at IIT Madras, such as Merit-cum-Means scholarships, chair professorships, and the heritage centre.

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The institute said the initiative will help students understand the importance of mental and emotional well-being along with their studies.

IIT Madras research centre for spirituality

The centre will offer elective courses on meditation and spirituality, support PhD and post-doctoral research, and organise workshops and conferences. It also plans to create a special mind-body-soul lab for teaching and research.

IIT Madras director V Kamakoti said, “Student wellness and mental health are very important for the institute, and this centre will support students’ overall development. Understanding the science behind spirituality is also important in today’s fast-moving world.”

Rajesh Kumar, head of the department of humanities and social sciences at IIT Madras, said the centre will strengthen the role of education in improving well-being. He added that it will bring personal and mental well-being into the core of technological innovation.

The centre will study meditation, health, spiritual experiences, and how spaces affect well-being. Experts say it will offer a new approach by linking personal wellness with learning.