
Happiness Program | IIT Kharagpur | Swami Vivekananda Wellness Centre
The ultimate aspiration behind all our aspirations?
Being Happy, Centred, Content, At Ease:)
Life is inside-out, not outside-in.
The secret lies in our Breath, in our Mind & Beyond...
An experiential journey into Indic Philosophy & Praxis to harness a Beautiful, Stable World Within — the timeless wisdom and gift of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.
And all of this in just 24 hours spread over 6 consecutive days.
*Happiness Program | IIT Kharagpur | Swami Vivekananda Wellness Centre*
_27TH OCT - 1ST NOV 2026_ | Tuesday to Sunday
[Days 1-4: 5:45 pm - 8:45 pm | Days 5-6: 6 am - 12 pm]
_REGISTER NOW:_
https://erp.iitkgp.ac.in/CEP/courses.htm
For Queries: 91232 25270 / 8458840365 / 8707622181
Mail: anudhyanam@iks.iitkgp.ac.in
*Open to Faculty, Staff, Students, Family Members (18 years & above)*
Dinacaryā, Jīvanacaryā, Ātmavidyā – Shape the Day. Transform the Life. Realize the Self
Through creative presentations, demonstrations, and theatrical performances, students explored the journey from disciplined daily living (dinacaryā) and conscious lifestyle choices (jīvanacaryā) to self-knowledge and self-realization (ātmavidyā). The presentations addressed themes including Ayurvedic daily routines, the three guṇas, dietary practices, seasonal living, mental balance, mindfulness, the pañcakośa framework, and the practical application of Aṣṭāṅga Yoga.
The event highlighted the contemporary relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in promoting reflective living, holistic well-being, ethical conduct, and personal transformation. By integrating philosophical inquiry with creative and experiential learning, it demonstrated an engaging approach to understanding traditional Indian wisdom in modern contexts.
Important details
Date: 11 April 2026
Organized by: Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur
Courses involved: The Essence of the Upaniṣads (KS32201); The Gnostic Foundations of Yoga: Theories and Applications (KS60206)
Key themes: Dinacaryā, jīvanacaryā, ātmavidyā, Ayurveda, the three guṇas, pañcakośa, Aṣṭāṅga Yoga, and holistic well-being
Learning approach: Student presentations, demonstrations, and theatrical performances
ātmānveṣaṇa yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance based on the upaniṣads
The Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS), IIT Kharagpur, presented Ātmānveṣaṇa Yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance Based on the Upaniṣads on 2 November 2025 at Netaji Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur. The programme featured 66 students enrolled in The Essence of the Upaniṣads during the Autumn 2025–2026 semester, representing various departments, schools, and centres of the institute.
Inspired by the Upaniṣads, the event adopted a performative approach to learning, translating philosophical dialogues and narratives into theatrical presentations. The performances explored themes including self-inquiry, the nature of the Self, the pursuit of knowledge, humility, truth, devotion, and the relationship between individual identity and ultimate reality. Stories and dialogues drawn from Indian philosophical traditions provided students with a creative medium to interpret and communicate complex ideas.
The programme also featured a Vedic invocation, flute rendition, inaugural addresses, invited faculty and student delegates, discussions on the relevance of the Upaniṣads in daily life, and the distribution of awards. It reflected the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting holistic and multidisciplinary education through the integration of philosophy, performing arts, and experiential learning.
The initiative demonstrated how traditional Indian knowledge can be explored beyond textbooks and lecture halls, encouraging intellectual curiosity, ethical reflection, creativity, and the pursuit of self-knowledge.
Important details
Date: 2 November 2025
Venue: Netaji Auditorium, IIT Kharagpur
Organized by: Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, IIT Kharagpur
Academic course: The Essence of the Upaniṣads (Autumn 2025–2026)
Student participation: 66 students from various departments, schools, and centres of IIT Kharagpur
Key programme components: Vedic invocation, flute rendition, theatrical performances, inaugural addresses, invited faculty and student participation, discussions, and awards
Philosophical themes: Ātman, self-inquiry, knowledge, wisdom, truth, humility, devotion, and self-realization
Educational significance: An innovative Indian Knowledge Systems pedagogy integrating philosophy and performative arts, aligned with the holistic and multidisciplinary vision of NEP 2020.
ātmānveṣaṇa yātrā – An Evocative Theatrical Performance based on the upaniṣads
yoga - vedānta Immersion Study Tour
The Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems (CoE-IKS), IIT Kharagpur, organized the Yoga–Vedānta Immersion Study Tour on 7 March 2026 for students enrolled in The Essence of the Upaniṣads and The Gnostic Foundations of Yoga: Theories and Applications.
The study tour included visits to Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, and the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur. The programme featured a guided campus tour, exploration of philosophical literature, interactions with monks of the Ramakrishna Order, and sessions involving lectures, meditation, yogic practices, and Vedāntic upāsanā. Participants also received prasādam and attended the evening āratī at Belur Math.
The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with the practical dimensions of Yoga, Advaita Vedānta, selfless service, and disciplined living. By complementing academic study with observation, dialogue, and experiential participation, the programme demonstrated the continuing relevance of Indian Knowledge Systems in personal development, spiritual inquiry, and societal well-being.
Date: 7 March 2026
Organized by: CoE-IKS, IIT Kharagpur
Venues: Belur Math and Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur, West Bengal
Courses involved: The Essence of the Upaniṣads; The Gnostic Foundations of Yoga: Theories and Applications
Key activities: Guided tour, philosophical exploration, interactive sessions with monks, meditation, yogic practices, Vedāntic upāsanā, and evening āratī
Educational focus: Experiential learning, Yoga, Advaita Vedānta, selfless service, and the application of Indian philosophical traditions in contemporary life.

Bhārata Tīrtha - II
A Three Day International Conference on Indian Knowledge Systems
14th - 18th June 2022
Organized by CoE-IKS
Key Knowledge Partners: IHAR (Houston) & Ministry of Culture
Convener: Prof. (Dr.) Joy Sen
Bharat tirth 2Bharat Tirth 2 Website

Āyurdhara- The Āyurveda Continuum
a Two Day National Symposium
4th - 5th November 2022, IIT Kharagpur Research Park, Kolkata
Organized by: CoE-IKS in in association with the School of Medical Science and Technology and Dr B C Roy Multi-speciality Medical Research Centre (BCRMMRC)
In collaboration with: Ministry of Culture & Ministry of Education
Convener: Prof. (Dr.) Joy Sen

bauddhika ātmanirbharatā with special reference to Science and Technology | Faculty Development Programme about India’s Knowledge Tradition ((bhārata kī jñāna paramparāyen)
A 14 Day FDP
22nd November to 9th December 2022, IIT Kharagpur
FDP 2022 Programmatic BrochureCommunication from UGC on FDP

Future Framework of National Education Policy: Strategies and Action Plan for the Youth
Annual Plenary Talk Series
16th January 2023, Maitrayee Hall
Resource: Shri Atul Kothari
Coordinators: Prof. (Dr.) Joy Sen & Prof. (Dr.) Dipesh V Katira

āyurveda, The Science of Life
Annual Plenary Talk Series
11th April 2023, Baudhāyana Hall, CoE-IKS
Resource: Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan

Existential Phenomenology (vedānta vicāra) and Mental Well-being from the upaniṣads
Annual Plenary Talk Series
7th August 2023, Gārg, CoE-IKS
Resource: Pravrajika Divyanandaprana
Coordinators: Prof. (Dr.) Joy Sen, Prof. (Dr.) Richa Chopra, Prof. (Dr.) Dipesh V Katira
