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TSC 2026: Mon Apr 6

Bridging Awareness Dimensions through Quantum Perception,
Biology and the Indian Knowledge Framework
8:30 am -12:30 pm 
Grand Ballroom 1

Speakers: Laxmidhar Behera, Chayan Nandi, Venkatesh Chembrulu, Archi Banerjee, Chitravina Ravikiran, Ganpati Ramanath, Arnav Bhavsar, Ramajayam Govindaraji

This workshop will explore the continuum of consciousness across living systems – from molecular coherence to aesthetic cognition –via complementary lenses of quantum non-locality, biological biomarkers and neurosomatic influence of music in the context of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) framework. Specifically, we seek to reveal connections between the measurables (biomarkers, quantum correlates) with the meaningful (subjective experience, semantic structure) to bridge empirical-science and consciousness-centered worldviews. Such a holistic examination is necessary to unearth insights on how awareness, responsiveness and coherence manifest across biological and experiential dimensions.

Objectives

  1. Identify consciousness biomarkers in plants and animals using anesthetic interventions.
  2. Explore quantum non-locality and coherence as potential substrates for perception.
  3. Articulate IKS constructs (prāṇa, citta, manas, buddhi) as a multi-level model of consciousness mapping meaning, attention, and agency.
  4. Inquire how music impacts cognitive and affective states germane to potential therapeutics.
  5. Stimulate cross-disciplinary research linking physics, biology, psychology, and traditional knowledge systems.


Structure and Speakers - Session Duration Speaker Theme

  1. 45 min - Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi) - Quantum Perception – Exploration through Non-locality
  2. 30 min - Dr. Chayan Nandi (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi) - Conscious Biomarkers in Plants and Animals through Anesthetic Interventions
  3. 30 min - Dr. Venkatesh Chembrulu (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi) - Models of Consciousness through the Indian Knowledge System Framework
  4. 30 min - Dr. Archi Banerjee (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi) - Effect of Music on Mental Wellbeing and Cognitive Enhancement
  5. 45 min - Sangeet Samrat, Chitravina Ravikiran (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi) and Prof. Ganpati Ramanath (IKSHMA, IIT Mandi and RPI, USA - Musopathy– A vision for transcultural paradigm of sound- and rhythm-based therapeutics beyond the state-of-the-art music therapy
  6. 30 min - Prof. Arnav Bhavsar (IIT Mandi) - Perspective on Natural & Artificial Intelligence
  7. 30 min - Dr. Ramajayam Govindaraji (PRI Troy, Uppsala U, IKSMHA, IIT Mandi) - Mental Health through Yogic Lens
     

Duration –  Total 4 hours with 15 minutes tea break 
 

Expected Outcomes

  • A cross-disciplinary position paper on “Toward a Unified Framework for Multiscale Biomarkers and Semantic Coherence in Consciousness.
  • Launch of the IKSHMA Consciousness Studies Research Network.
  • Framework for collaborative experiments in plant and organismic consciousness under anesthesia and music. 

  • Concept note for a special issue or symposium on “Quantum, Semantic and Musical Dimensions of Awareness.”

     

Target Audience

  • Researchers and scholars in:
  • Consciousness studies
  • Quantum biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Philosophy
  • Indian Knowledge Systems
  • Music cognition and therapy 

Supporting Institution - Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Application (IKSHMA), IIT Mandi 

 

 

 

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