Bodh Gaya, February 15, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya successfully hosted the International Research Conference on Mindfulness (IRCM) 2026, bringing together academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across India and several countries, including Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand. The third edition of the biennial conference was organised in a hybrid format under the theme “Business, Mindfulness and Society.”
The conference received an overwhelming global response with over 255 paper submissions, marking more than a threefold increase compared to the previous edition. This surge in participation highlights the growing academic and professional interest in mindfulness-based research across management, social sciences, and allied disciplines.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, in the presence of conference conveners Dr. Remya Lathabhavan and Dr. Teena Bharti. Keynote speakers included Dr. Jyoti Bachani of Saint Mary’s College of California, Dr. Vishal Gupta of IIM Ahmedabad, and Dr. Ramya Tarakad Venkateswaran of IIM Calcutta, who highlighted the importance of integrating contemplative practices with modern research for organisational effectiveness and societal well-being.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vinita S. Sahay described mindfulness as a time-tested philosophy that continues to guide meaningful ways of living and leading. Dr. Jyoti Bachani also emphasised the timeless relevance of wisdom in academic and leadership contexts, noting the importance of hosting such discussions in Bodh Gaya, a place historically associated with the origins of mindfulness.
Organised around 12 thematic tracks, the conference covered diverse areas such as leadership, organisational behaviour, finance, education, decision-making, and sustainability. Scholars presented both empirical and conceptual research exploring how reflective awareness can help bridge research gaps and generate solution-oriented outcomes across disciplines.
Pre-conference workshops focused on applied learning and experiential sessions. Mindfulness coach Shishir Arya conducted sessions linking professional effectiveness with mindful living, while Dr. Surbhi Dayal from IIM Indore facilitated discussions connecting mindfulness with artistic expression and lifestyle transformation through interdisciplinary dialogue.
Follow TJP Whatsapp ChannelThe conference concluded with valedictory addresses by international and national scholars including Dr. Oleg Medvedev (University of Waikato, New Zealand), Dr. Prachi Thakur (JAGSoM & Sunway University), and Dr. Yanki Hartijasti (Universitas Indonesia), who stressed the importance of global research collaborations and the role of mindfulness in building resilient institutions and societies.
Reaffirming its commitment to holistic education, IIM Bodh Gaya stated that mindfulness remains a core institutional value embedded across teaching, research, and leadership development. The institute, currently in its 10th year, continues to promote socially responsible management education through research-driven pedagogy, industry interaction, and experiential learning.
