Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has established a Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science and Society to explore the intersection of spirituality, meditation, science, and society.
It will contribute to global research on human well-being and consciousness and promote interdisciplinary research combining science, humanities, medicine, and architecture. Further, the Centre will also study scientific and societal impacts of meditation and spirituality and develop educational programs and public engagement initiatives
IIT Madras alumnus Sant Rajinder Singh ji Maharaj, a world-renowned spiritual leader, contributed Rs. 5 Crore to launch this key centre at the IIT Madras campus. He graduated from IIT Madras with a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering in 1967. He is the spiritual head of Science of Spirituality (SOS), known in India as Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission, a global spiritual organization with more than 3,400 centres across 50 countries.
The centre was launched on 10th March 2026 in the presence of Sant Rajinder Singh ji Maharaj, Mata Rita, the leadership team from Science of Spirituality, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), Prof Rajesh Kumar, Professor-in-charge for the Centre and, Head, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mr Kaviraj Nair, CEO, Office of Institutional Advancement and other dignitaries.
Highlighting the need for such a Centre, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, 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 centre dedicated to exploring the science of spirituality and its impact on society is therefore the need of the hour. We are honoured 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.”
Over the years, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj has been an active participant and contributor to IIT Madras’ progress. He has contributed to various institutional initiatives like the Merit cum Means Scholarships, Chair Professorships, and towards the Heritage Centre at IIT Madras.
Speaking on the vision of the Centre, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji 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 major research themes to be covered by the Centre include meditation & human health, physiological determinants of Spiritual Experiences, Architecture and spiritual spaces, medicine and spirituality and interdisciplinary spiritual research.
Commenting on proposed key activities of the Centre, 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 centre will help us add personal and mental well-being to the core of technological innovations.”
The centre will introduce academic programs around meditation and spirituality as elective courses, support PhD and Post-doctoral students working in related areas and also conduct conferences and workshops around this theme. It is also proposed to establish a mind-body-soul laboratory for teaching, research and meditation practice.
As part of the inaugural event of the Centre, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj delivered a lecture on ‘Engineering your inner peace’ at IIT Madras Research Park auditorium. It was attended by more than 800 attendees including students, faculty, alumni and the public.