Latest news with #IITMandi
India Today
14-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
IIT Mandi concludes PRAYAS 3.0, offers STEM training to school students
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has completed the third edition of its school outreach programme, PRAYAS 3.0. The initiative ran for a month and brought school students to campus for an extended exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).The aim of PRAYAS is to give school students an early experience with labs, lectures, and real-world problem-solving at a leading science from across the region participated in this edition, staying on campus and attending sessions led by IIT Mandi faculty and student LEARNING, ROBO SOCCER, AND EARLY STEM EXPOSURE The programme mixed workshops with lab visits, project-based learning, and team of the standout moments came during the Robo Soccer challenge, an event where students designed and programmed robots to play football matches. For most participants, it was their first time working with robotic systems.'The excitement on their faces as they controlled their robots on the soccer field was priceless,' said a student mentor. 'Most of them had never done anything like this before.'Apart from robotics, the programme introduced participants to basic computer programming, circuit building, and mechanical design. It also included problem-solving exercises and exposure to tools and equipment that are often not available in regular school at the closing ceremony, Dr. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, said, 'PRAYAS is about planting seeds of curiosity. We hope this experience will stay with these students for a long time and influence how they approach learning.'Dr. Jain added that early exposure to STEM fields helps students build confidence and interest. 'The learning and confidence they've gained here—we hope that pushes some of them to take up science or engineering seriously in the future.'The programme ended with a certificate distribution ceremony on campus. For the participating students, the past month offered more than just lessons—it offered a glimpse into a future where science is not just studied, but also built, tested, and played PRAYAS 3.0, IIT Mandi continues its effort to connect scientific institutions with the next generation, one robotics match at a time.- Ends
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Indian Raga therapy: How IIT Mandi study links classical music to brain and emotional health
IIT Mandi conducted a study that connects ancient India's musical heritage with modern neuroscience. Research led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, has shown how listening to Indian classical Ragas can influence brain activity by enhancing levels of attention, emotional regulation, and mental stability. The researchers, however, say that translating Raga Therapy into a clinical or commercial offering will require further systematic investigation. Research procedure The study, conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, involved 40 participants who were exposed to Indian Ragas. These 40 right-handed male participants were aged between 19 to 29 years, with a mean age being 23.10. They had no formal musical training and were recruited via an electronic announcement. All the participants were healthy college students. Exclusion criteria included neurological or hearing disorders and recent use of psychotropic medication. Each participant was exposed to approximately nine minutes of music, standardised across the cohort to ensure consistency in data collection and comparability of results. The research spanned over 2.5 years, with each participant undergoing a single experimental session. The study is ongoing, and follow-up experiments with 15 female participants have shown consistent results. The study utilised advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate analysis, a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary yet significant patterns of neural activity. Participants' brain activity was recorded using EEG under two conditions: listening to Indian classical ragas and resting silence. 'This design allowed for a clear comparison of the neurological impact of music versus a passive, quiet baseline', the researchers said. The EEG test employs small metal electrodes, known as Microstates, that often last only a few milliseconds and are used to represent the brain's transient modes of operation, such as attention, emotional engagement, or mind-wandering. Brain cells communicate through electrical impulses, and this activity is represented as wavy lines on an EEG recording. The researchers chose two Raagas: Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya. Raga Jogiya is associated with deeper, reflective emotions, based on their emotional profiles in the Nav Rasa framework. Darbari is known to enhance focus and tranquility, while Jogiya is known to activate emotion regulation and introspection. The participants were not informed of the study's intent, minimising expectation bias. Additionally, in another study, a control experiment was conducted with noise instead of music. Unlike Indian classical music, noise did not lead to significant improvements in attention or reduction in mind-wandering, reinforcing the specific effects of Raga therapy. What the study showed Following the experiment, the research revealed that Raga Darbari, known for its soothing qualities, was found to increase attention-related microstates while reducing those associated with mind-wandering, indicating deeper focus and cognitive clarity. In contrast, Raga Jogiya, a melancholic melody, not only enhanced attentional networks but also activated emotion-regulation microstates, enabling listeners to process emotions with calm and composure. It was concluded that listening to traditional compositions, such as Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya, can alter EEG microstates, fleeting but powerful neural patterns that reflect attention, emotion, and cognitive processing. The researchers say, longer durations of musical exposure are likely to further stabilise EEG microstates. Even in the limited-time protocol, significant increases in microstate duration and stability were observed. The researchers say these results are consistent and can be replicated. 'We experimented on three separate occasions with different participant groups, and each time the results have consistently pointed to the same conclusions. This consistency reinforces the reliability and replicability of our findings regarding the positive impact of Indian Ragas on attention and emotional regulation', the researchers said. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, informed, 'EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates at the moment, attention, mind-wandering, or emotional engagement. What we found was that Ragas don't just evoke feelings, they actually reprogram the brain in real-time.' Dr. Ashish Gupta, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi and first author of this study, emphasized that the shifts observed in neural activity were not random, stated, 'The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the Ragas, suggesting Indian Classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness. EEG data consistently showed how music exposure, compared to silence, shifted the brain into more stable and functional patterns'. Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur is also the co-author of the study. Health benefits? The researchers conducted a similar study in 2018. That early research primarily demonstrated that listening to Indian Ragas can significantly enhance cognitive performance. The researchers cite several independent studies that have reported the beneficial effects of Raga therapy in managing hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Rao and Nagendra (2014) demonstrated that both active and silent music interventions positively influenced energy fields in type 2 diabetes patients using electron photonic imaging. 'While these studies do not claim a definitive cure, they do demonstrate the therapeutic value of Raga listening as a secondary or supplementary intervention', the researchers said. The way forward The research team suggests that listening to Raga Darbari before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The study doesn't just underscore how people feel in response to music; it demonstrates how the brain structurally responds, offering new potential for music-based interventions in cognitive and emotional health. The researchers say translating Raga Therapy into a clinical or commercial offering will require further systematic investigation. The next steps involve designing and validating structured, music-based therapeutic modules—tailored for diverse settings such as educational environments, workplace wellness programs, emotional support, and clinical treatment. Rigorous clinical trials will be essential to optimise dosage (duration, frequency), select the most effective Ragas for specific conditions, and establish standardized protocols before broad implementation for patient care. In comparison with Western classical music The researchers say several studies on Western classical music have reported similar outcomes. They conducted a follow-up investigation using Western classical music with international participants. The findings revealed comparable effects on EEG microstate modulation, reinforcing the idea that structured classical music—whether Indian or Western—has a cross-cultural capacity to positively influence brain dynamics. Researchers say, however, that Indian Ragas offer a uniquely emotionally structured and mood-specific experience. Rooted in the Nav Rasa framework, each Raga is crafted to evoke a particular emotional landscape. The therapeutic use of Raga, often termed 'Raga Chikitsa,' has existed in India for centuries. While these results are promising, more rigorous and systematic scientific studies are needed in this domain, researchers say. Both studies have been peer-reviewed and published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, a global journal.
India Today
30-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Listening to Indian ragas improves focus and emotional balance: IIT Mandi study
In a remarkable fusion of traditional Indian music and modern neuroscience, IIT Mandi researchers have provided scientific proof that listening to Indian classical ragas can positively influence brain study recommends listening to Raga Darbari before exams or meetings to improve focus, and Raga Jogiya in times of stress or emotional research, led by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, shows how specific ragas help improve focus, manage emotions, and bring mental The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Human A WINDOW INTO THE BRAINThe study focused on EEG microstates, short-lived but meaningful patterns of brain activity. These patterns, which last only milliseconds, reflect different mental states such as attention, emotional response, or advanced EEG analysis, researchers tracked how participants' brains responded to specific ragas. The study involved 40 participants and monitored changes in their brain activity in real DARBARI AND JOGIYAThe results showed that Raga Darbari, known for its soothing tone, increased brain microstates related to attention and reduced those linked to mind-wandering. This suggests that the raga helps listeners stay focused and contrast, Raga Jogiya, which has a melancholic feel, also strengthened attentional networks but more importantly activated brain patterns associated with emotional control. This indicates that it can help people manage feelings like sadness or VALIDATION OF INDIAN MUSICAL WISDOMadvertisement'This study shows that Indian classical music has a real effect on how our brains work,' said Professor Behera. 'It is fascinating that ancient melodies can guide the brain towards more focused and stable states.'Lead researcher Ashish Gupta noted that these changes were consistent and repeatable, suggesting Indian ragas could become useful tools for improving mental health in non-invasive and culturally resonant validating the results, a parallel study on Western participants revealed similar brain responses, confirming the universal neurological power of classical music across cultures.A FUTURE OF HEALING IN TRADITIONAL STRAINSCo-author Prof. Braj Bhushan of IIT Kanpur highlighted the broader potential: 'This research opens a new path for personalised, music-based mental health tools that are both scientifically effective and culturally meaningful.'The findings underline how ancient traditions and modern science can work together, showing that solutions for mental well-being may lie in our cultural past.- Ends
Hans India
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Listening to Indian ragas can enhance attention, boost mental stability: IIT Mandi
New Delhi: Amid rising mental health challenges such as stress, burnout, and attention deficits, a new study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi on Monday showed that Indian classical ragas can potentially enhance levels of attention, emotional regulation, and mental stability. The study, conducted in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, provides scientific validation for music as a therapeutic tool: one that is culturally resonant and non-invasive. The research, which involved 40 participants exposed to the ragas, utilised advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate analysis -- a real-time brain-mapping technique that captures momentary yet significant patterns of neural activity. The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, suggests that listening to Raga Darbari -- known for its soothing and uplifting qualities -- before exams or important meetings may improve focus, while Raga Jogiya -- a melancholic melody -- could help manage emotional overwhelm or grief. The shifts observed in neural activity were not random, said first author Dr. Ashish Gupta, Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi. 'The data showed repeatable, consistent transitions after exposure to the ragas, suggesting Indian classical music can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness. The EEG data consistently showed how music exposure, compared to silence, shifted the brain into more stable and functional patterns,' added Gupta. The EEG test employed small metal electrodes, known as 'microstates', which often last only a few milliseconds and represent the brain's transient modes of operation, such as attention, emotional engagement, or mind-wandering. Brain cells communicate through electrical impulses, and this activity is represented as wavy lines on an EEG recording. The research revealed that Raga Darbari and Raga Jogiya can fundamentally alter EEG microstates, and show fleeting but powerful neural patterns that reflect attention, emotion, and cognitive processing. 'EEG microstates offer a window into how the brain operates moment, attention, mind-wandering, or emotional engagement. What we found was that Ragas don't just evoke feelings, they actually reprogramme the brain in real time, it is remarkable to see how these ancient melodies consistently guide the brain into more stable and focused patterns,' said Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi. The study also observed an overall increase in brain stability across participants, with microstates becoming longer and more grounded, indicating a calmer, more focused mind.
Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
‘IIT Mandi has given me growth, self-discovery, and friendships that will last a lifetime'
— Divyanshu I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Bioengineering branch of the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. I come from Lucknow, but my roots in this journey began in Kanpur, where I studied till Class 10 at KDMA International. I then completed my Class 12 from Lucknow Public School. From an early age, biology always fascinated me – probably because of my father, who is a veterinary doctor. Watching him work sparked a curiosity in life sciences, while my exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science during my JEE preparation deepened my interest in blending biology with computation. These interests came together in the form of Bioengineering, a field I am lucky to now be pursuing at IIT Mandi. I first appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced right after my Class 12 in 2021, but the results didn't meet my expectations. So, I took a drop year and reappeared for JEE in 2022. During that drop year, I prepared on my own using online resources, standard books, and mock tests. It wasn't easy – many of us isolate ourselves from social life, miss birthdays, celebrations, and even our hobbies. But I now tell aspirants that they should not cut themselves off completely. These moments won't come back. Balance is key. As the saying goes, 'Success is important, but so is the journey. Don't lose yourself while chasing your dreams.' Coming to IIT Mandi in November 2022 was my first time living away from home. Initially, I missed the homemade food, my old friends, and my younger sister, whom I am really close to. But everything changed once I found my tribe here, friends including Ayush, Aryan, Vishal, Dhruv, Harsh, Vivek, Vibhu, and Shreyansh. My first semester became one of the most memorable times of my life – late-night project building, hackathons, competitions, and shared laughter. Campus life here is different from other colleges, and not just because it is nestled in the Himalayas, it is the people that make it special. The peer group you find in an IIT inspires you in countless ways. When someone in your circle goes for an internship, course, or competition, it pushes you to think, 'Hey, maybe I can do that too.' Outside academics, I got involved in several clubs – drama, design, Sysadmin, and the Kamand Bioengineering Club. These clubs allowed me to explore areas I'd never tried before and contributed to my personal development. It wasn't easy balancing academics and club work, but the environment here teaches you to manage your time and push your boundaries. The professors here are incredibly supportive. One moment I'll always remember is when our Japanese teacher joined us in a student-organised 'Glow in the Dark' paint-art event. That role reversal, where we were the teachers and she was the student, was unforgettable. Another moment that stuck with me was when I missed the campus bus and a professor offered me a lift to the academic block – it was a small gesture, but it truly showed how approachable and kind the teachers are. Life at IIT has transformed me mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have learned leadership, time management, teamwork, and resilience. But perhaps the most important lesson I have learned here is that everyone is confused. It might seem like some people have it all figured out, but most of us are just trying to find our path. So, once in a while, ask yourself if you enjoy what you're doing. If the answer is 'somewhat yes', keep going. Try out different things – because you don't want to leave college with regrets. In my second year, I participated in the Inter IIT Cultural Meet as part of the Dramatics Club in 'Nukkad Natak', and we secured the second-highest score. Later, I led our contingent, coordinating teams, managing logistics, and learning leadership in a high-pressure but fun environment. My typical day involves morning classes, lab work, and assignments. Evenings are for friends, club events, or walks. I don't play any sport, but I do enjoy watching anime and movies, and going on treks around the beautiful hills that surround us. We hang out at the Village Square, the hostel rooms, play foosball or table tennis, and snack at campus canteens. My favourite food to binge on here is siddu, a local Himachali dish. I support my expenses partly through teaching assistant roles and partly through pocket money from my parents. And while I love the serenity of our hilltop campus, I sometimes miss the buzz of city life – malls, cinemas, and amusement parks. Looking ahead, I see myself going for higher studies, possibly in Computational Biology, Genomics, or Neuroscience. The culture, the food, and the rich history of Lucknow are close to my heart – and yes, I do miss them. But what I miss most is my sister and those late-night food outings. Still, if I had to sum it all up, I'd say that this journey at IIT Mandi has been one of growth, self-discovery, and friendships that will last a lifetime. Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
