Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi inaugurates Rishihood University's Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS)
Sonipat (Haryana) [India], August 19: Rishihood University today formally launched the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS), a pioneering initiative to transform psychology and mental health education in India. The school was inaugurated on campus by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor & Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests, including leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and even Nepal. Notable among them were Vishal Tulsyan, Anurag Goel, Aditya Pittie, Vivek Sharma, Rishi Raj, Mukesh Jain, and Bishesh Khanal.
This momentous launch marks Rishihood's first endowed school, made possible through the generous support of Mahesh Navani, a visionary technocrat and philanthropist from Boston. With MaNaS, Rishihood University steps onto the global stage, raising the standard for academic excellence and positioning itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education.
The Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour introduces a future-facing curriculum that blends rigorous scientific training with the depth of India's civilizational wisdom. Students will be engaged in fieldwork from their very first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions. The school will also be home to the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), where learners can explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors. The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence.
Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi commended the initiative, saying, "Mental health is one of the greatest challenges of our time, yet it is often left in the shadows. I commend Rishihood University for launching MaNaS as a bold and timely intervention. This is not just an academic institution. It is a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts. In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion -- and this school is a powerful beginning."
Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chancellor of Rishihood University, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative. He said, "The true purpose of education is not just to inform minds but to transform lives. MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy. By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes."
Echoing this sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said, "Rishihood University began with the conviction that education should spark national transformation. With the launch of MaNaS, we are addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time--mental health. This school will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors. It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance."
The inauguration of MaNaS signals a new chapter in Rishihood's journey. The school aims to lead globally in developing evidence-based, culturally rooted, and system-integrated solutions to mental well-being, youth anxiety, leadership development, and community care.
More than an academic institution, MaNaS represents a movement to restore balance, health, and purpose to human life. With cutting-edge laboratories, pathbreaking research, policy interventions, and a new generation of healers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders, MaNaS is poised to redefine mental health education in India and beyond. Rooted in Bharat yet reaching the world, MaNaS reflects the university's resolve to globalise compassion and inspire a future of resilient, empathetic, and purpose-driven individuals.
About Rishihood University
Rishihood University is India's first impact-focussed university, founded by technocrats, philanthropists, policymakers, social and spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators. Founded with the vision of creating impactful leaders across various domains of life, Rishihood delivers a learning experience that is rooted in tradition, global in approach, and futuristic in outcomes. The university is on a mission to nurture impact-driven learners who seek truth, solve problems, and champion national transformation.
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Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
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Rishihood University launches MaNas to redefine mental health, psychology & behavioural education in India
Rishihood University launched the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS), an initiative aimed at transforming psychology and mental health education in India. MaNas was inaugurated by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor and Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of more than 150 guests. The school was inaugurated by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor and Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests. Also present in the event were leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and Nepal. Also read: Himachal HC backs teacher, quashes govt orders curtailing sanctioned maternity leave With the launch of the school, Rishihood University has positioned itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education, a press statement informed. Students at the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour will engage in fieldwork from the first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions. The school will also include the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), offering learners an opportunity to explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors. The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence, the press statement added. Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Satyarthi highlighted that mental health is one of the greatest challenges currently, and is often left in the shadows. Also read: Why STEAM Matters: The crucial role of arts in shaping tomorrow's innovators He added that MaNaS is not just an academic institution but a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts. 'In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion — and this school is a powerful beginning,' the Nobel Peace Laureate said. Suresh Prabhu, in his address, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative, and said that MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy. 'By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes,' he added. Also read: More than 50,000 applications received for admission to CM Shri Schools in Delhi Echoing similar sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said that MaNaS will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors. "It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance, Mathur added.
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Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi inaugurates Rishihood University's Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS)
VMPL Sonipat (Haryana) [India], August 19: Rishihood University today formally launched the Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour (MaNaS), a pioneering initiative to transform psychology and mental health education in India. The school was inaugurated on campus by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and Rishihood University Chancellor & Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu, in the presence of over 150 distinguished guests, including leading entrepreneurs, social activists, CXOs, and founders from across India and even Nepal. Notable among them were Vishal Tulsyan, Anurag Goel, Aditya Pittie, Vivek Sharma, Rishi Raj, Mukesh Jain, and Bishesh Khanal. This momentous launch marks Rishihood's first endowed school, made possible through the generous support of Mahesh Navani, a visionary technocrat and philanthropist from Boston. With MaNaS, Rishihood University steps onto the global stage, raising the standard for academic excellence and positioning itself at the forefront of reimagining mental health education. The Mahesh Navani School of Brain, Body, and Behaviour introduces a future-facing curriculum that blends rigorous scientific training with the depth of India's civilizational wisdom. Students will be engaged in fieldwork from their very first year through structured internships with hospitals, NGOs, startups, and educational institutions. The school will also be home to the Human Augmentation Lab (HAL), where learners can explore the interface of psychology, neuroscience, and technology through wearables, cognitive devices, and behavioural sensors. The program has been designed under the leadership of Professor Kanika Kohli, whose vision and expertise in both science and Indic knowledge systems will guide MaNaS toward becoming a global centre of excellence. Speaking at the inauguration, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi commended the initiative, saying, "Mental health is one of the greatest challenges of our time, yet it is often left in the shadows. I commend Rishihood University for launching MaNaS as a bold and timely intervention. This is not just an academic institution. It is a space to nurture courageous minds and compassionate hearts. In a world increasingly shaped by aggression, loneliness, and moral crisis, MaNaS can inspire a new model of education rooted in empathy, responsibility, and healing. I believe India must lead the way in globalising compassion -- and this school is a powerful beginning." Suresh Prabhu, Former Union Minister and Chancellor of Rishihood University, highlighted the transformative vision behind the initiative. He said, "The true purpose of education is not just to inform minds but to transform lives. MaNaS reflects Rishihood University's commitment to reimagine human development through learning that integrates knowledge, behaviour, and empathy. By focusing on the intersection of brain, body, and behaviour, we are laying the foundation for a generation that can solve not just problems, but their root causes." Echoing this sentiment, Shobhit Mathur, Vice Chancellor of Rishihood University, said, "Rishihood University began with the conviction that education should spark national transformation. With the launch of MaNaS, we are addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time--mental health. This school will not only train psychologists but also nurture problem-solvers who can apply behavioural insights across sectors. It is a bold step to create change-makers rooted in Indian values and global relevance." The inauguration of MaNaS signals a new chapter in Rishihood's journey. The school aims to lead globally in developing evidence-based, culturally rooted, and system-integrated solutions to mental well-being, youth anxiety, leadership development, and community care. More than an academic institution, MaNaS represents a movement to restore balance, health, and purpose to human life. With cutting-edge laboratories, pathbreaking research, policy interventions, and a new generation of healers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders, MaNaS is poised to redefine mental health education in India and beyond. Rooted in Bharat yet reaching the world, MaNaS reflects the university's resolve to globalise compassion and inspire a future of resilient, empathetic, and purpose-driven individuals. About Rishihood University Rishihood University is India's first impact-focussed university, founded by technocrats, philanthropists, policymakers, social and spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, and educators. Founded with the vision of creating impactful leaders across various domains of life, Rishihood delivers a learning experience that is rooted in tradition, global in approach, and futuristic in outcomes. The university is on a mission to nurture impact-driven learners who seek truth, solve problems, and champion national transformation.
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Mahat-tattva and creation of our world
By Sonal Srivastava Astronomers have recently discovered a planet, 'theoretically habitable', orbiting the Sun-like star Alpha Centauri. The planet resembles our very own Saturn, a gas giant, eliminating the chances of supporting life like our home planet does. The cosmos is an intriguing place. With billions of stars, planets, asteroids and rocks, which often makes one wonder where it all began. Physicists say it's the Big Bang – the universe expanded from an inflexion point and continues to expand even today, as I write this article. Philosophers, of course, wonder 'why'. Why did the universe expand? Where did it come from? What was there before the singularity? Where did singularity come from, so on and so forth? Sankhya school of Indic philosophy explains that origin of the cosmos can be attributed to the proximity of purusha and prakriti – consciousness and matter/nature, and from that arises Mahat, the great cause of the universe or cosmic intelligence. It is the first product of this proximity and the first step in the beginning of creation. Sankhya says that prakriti is initially a constitution of three gunas – sattva, rajas and tamas. Once this equilibrium is disturbed, creation begins, and Mahat emerges – the cosmic intellect, which also, interestingly, constitutes individual buddhi. From Mahat comes ahamkara, ego, i, which gives rise to the mind, senses, and elements. S Radhakrishnan says in the Indian Philosophy, Volume 2, 'While the term 'mahat' brings out the cosmic aspect, buddhi, which is used as a synonym for it, refers to the psychological counterpart appertaining to each individual.' Hence, Mahat is used both in a cosmic sense and in an individual psychological sense as Mahat-buddhi. Radhakrishnan says, 'The functions of buddhi are ascertainment and decision. All other organs function for intellect, buddhi, and the intellect, which works directly for purusha, enabling the latter to experience all existence and discriminate between prakriti and itself.' In the Bhagwad Gita (14.3), Krishn says, 'My primordial nature, known as the great Mahat Brahmn is the womb of all creatures, in that womb I place the seed of life. The creation of that union follows from that union of matter and spirit, O Arjun.' Therefore, Mahat-tattva is the primordial womb from which emerges creation. It is both within and without; it constitutes our buddhi, intellect and is also the universal intellect. In effect, it is both seer and the seen. It emerges from proximity of purusha and prakriti and becomes the eyes of purusha, relaying and informing what it perceives to purusha. The Mahat-tattva is the organiser of creation, the first efficient cause. From Mahat-buddhi, arises ahamkar, ego or self-sense, individual i. From a sattva-dominated ahamkar, comes manas and five organs of perception – functions of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; five of action: vak, pani, pada, payu, upasth, and five elements: prithvi, jal, fire, agni, air, vayu, and akasha, determined by varied combinations of three gunas. Five tanmatras: shabda, sparsha, roop, ras and gandha are linked to the five sense organs. Thus, creation unfolds in all its breathtaking glory, complexity, and contradictions, with Mahat – cosmic intellect – emerging first. The subtle turns into gross as physical worlds of stars, planets and exoplanets, all guided by the Mahat, emerge. The cosmic intellect can guide the individual intellect when the individual buddhi tunes into Mahat buddhi through dhyan, dharna, and samadhi, or shravan, manan, and nidhidyasan. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
