A landmark milestone was achieved at IIT Madras with the formal inauguration of the Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science and Society, followed by a profound keynote address targeted at integrating scientific inquiry with inner human values.
The event celebrated the return of world-renowned spiritual master Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj (Head, Science of Spirituality) to his alma mater, having graduated from the IIT Madras Class of 1967 (BT/EE). The day's events unfolded across the Humanities and Social Sciences Block and the IITM Research Park in the presence of institute leadership, faculty, and scholars.
The visit commenced with the warm arrival of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj and Mata Rita Ji at the Heritage Centre, received gracefully by Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and Mrs. Renuka Kamakoti. They took a guided tour exploring the archival displays, historical photographs, and academic milestones showcasing the legacy of IIT Madras. Maharaj Ji signed the Visitors' Book and was presented with a book set as a token of gratitude.
Proceeding to the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT) Block, Maharaj Ji and Mata Ji planted a Saraca Ashoka tree. This served as a symbol of growth, sustainability, peace, and the nurturing of wisdom within academic spaces.
Located in the Humanities and Social Sciences Block, the Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Centre for Advanced Research on Spirituality, Science and Society was formally inaugurated. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a metallic commemorative plaque. Maharaj Ji praised the serene architecture, highlighting its design as an ideal ecosystem for meditation and research into inner consciousness.
The delegation explored the centre's research laboratory and dedicated library tracking philosophy, spirituality, and consciousness research. Maharaj Ji interacted closely with PhD scholars and engineering teams, leaving inspiring remarks in the library visitor's logbook.
Later in the day, a grand gathering was hosted at the D7 Auditorium, IITM Research Park for an enlightening session mapping the intersection of advanced technology and spiritual insight.
In his opening address, Director Prof. V. Kamakoti highlighted the fast-paced growth of Artificial Intelligence. He argued strongly that ethical responsibility and inner balance must stay central to engineering, transforming technology into a compassionate force for societal good. Dean Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam echoed this, stating that true innovation happens when inner awareness securely anchors outer action.
During his key address, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj taught that while physical sciences examine outer space, spirituality is the science tracking our internal universe. He introduced the practical, universal nature of SOS Meditation, clarifying that it functions independently of any religious or cultural backgrounds.
Maharaj Ji outlined the core steps to the audience:
Watch the full coverage and highlights of the inauguration ceremony and the enlightening keynote address: