(LtoR) Balaram Lila Das; Prof. Aniruddha Chakraborty, Dean Academics, IIT Mandi; Dr. Sumanta Rudra, Academic Dean, BRC; Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi and Dr. Venkatesh Chembrolu, Associate Prof., representing the centre for IKSMHA (Indian Knowledge Systems and Mental Health Applications), IIT Mandi.

In a significant step towards advancing research and education in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi (IIT Mandi), a leading research and educational institution under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This collaboration aims to facilitate interdisciplinary research, curriculum development, and manuscript preservation, particularly in the study of the Bhagavad Gita, Puranas, and key Vaishnava texts.

As part of the esteemed IIT system, IIT Mandi has a strong tradition of academic excellence and interdisciplinary research. This partnership highlights the institute’s commitment to integrating traditional Indian Knowledge Systems with modern academic frameworks, fostering deeper engagement with Indian philosophical traditions within structured education.

The MoU aims to enhance scholarly exchange between faculty, students, and researchers from both institutions while advancing research in IKS. Key areas of collaboration include manuscript preservation, AI-driven Sanskrit textual analysis, and the development of academic programs in IKS, including online courses in Vedic philosophy.

Institutional Contributions

Under this MoU:

• IIT Mandi will provide academic infrastructure, administrative support, and faculty expertise to facilitate IKS research. It will focus on AI-driven Sanskrit textual analysis, manuscript digitization, and interdisciplinary research. The institute will also provide academic recognition for research outputs and contribute to the development of online courses and faculty training programs in IKS.
• BRC will contribute its expertise in preserving and disseminating Vedic and Dharmic texts, including rare Sanskrit and Bengali manuscripts. It will lead efforts in curriculum development, manuscript digitization, and fostering international academic collaborations in IKS.

Statements from Key Figures

Dr. Laxmidhar Behera (Lila Purusottama Das), Director, IIT Mandi, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating:
“IIT Mandi is in the process of launching a Master’s program in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC) will contribute expertise and resources to this initiative. We look forward to working together to advance Indian Knowledge Systems and interdisciplinary research, making meaningful academic contributions.”

Dr. Sumanta Rudra, Academic Dean of BRC, shared his thoughts on this collaboration, stating:
“This partnership with IIT Mandi marks an important milestone in BRC’s mission to promote the academic study of IKS. We are excited to contribute to this initiative and collaborate in advancing research and education in this field.”

Gauranga Das, Director of ISKCON Govardhan Eco-Village (GEV) and an IIT Bombay alumnus, also expressed his appreciation, stating:
“It is inspiring to see IIT Mandi partner with the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre to advance Indian Knowledge Systems. The technological capabilities of IIT Mandi, combined with BRC’s expertise in manuscript preservation and philosophical research, will create new opportunities for academic engagement with IKS.”

A Milestone for Indian Knowledge Systems

This collaboration represents a significant step in integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern academic research. By combining BRC’s expertise in textual preservation and Vedic philosophy with IIT Mandi’s strengths in technology and research, this initiative aims to enhance global access to Vaishnava and broader Vedic traditions within contemporary academia.