Foundations of Mathematics and Spirituality
Speakers
List of Speakers
Prof. Henk Barendregt
Emeritus Professor, Radboud University, Netherlands
Prof. Pradip K. Jain
Director, NIT Patna, India
Prof. Manohar Lal Kaushik
IGNOU, New Delhi, India
Prof. Om Prakash
IIT Patna, India
Prof. Sandeep Kumar
IIT BHU, Varanasi, India
Shri. K. Vasudeva Rao
President, Bhaktivedanta Institute Kolkata
Shri. Varun Agarwal
Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute Kolkata
Mr. Rajesh Pandit
Quality Analyst, Straive; Alumnus IISER Kolkata
Ms. Tanushri
Ph.D. Scholar, NIT Patna
and many more…
Prof. Henk Barendregt
Emeritus Professor, Radboud University, Netherlands
Henk Barendregt is an eminent Dutch logician and computer scientist, best known for his influential work in lambda calculus and type theory. Born in 1947, he earned both his Master’s (1968) and Ph.D. (1971) degrees cum laude from Utrecht University under Dirk van Dalen and Georg Kreisel. After postdoctoral research at Stanford University, he held academic positions at Utrecht and Nijmegen Universities, with visiting roles at institutions in Darmstadt, Zürich (ETH), Siena, Kyoto, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Barendregt served as Professor of Foundations of Mathematics and Computer Science at Radboud University Nijmegen from 1986 until becoming professor emeritus in 2015. His work at Nijmegen focused on Formal Mathematicsand the automated verification of mathematical proofs, continuing the legacy of N.G. de Bruijn.
In recent years, he has also contributed to the interdisciplinary study of consciousness, organizing workshops and publishing under the MBM (Mathematics–Brain–Mind) framework.
Honors and Awards:
Member, Academia Europaea (1992)
Member, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (1997)
Knighted in the Order of the Dutch Lion (2002)
Recipient, NWO Spinoza Prize (2002) – the highest scientific distinction in the Netherlands
Distinguished Lorentz Fellowship (2012), organizing a notable workshop on models of consciousness and clinical implications
Prof. Pradip K. Jain
Director, NIT Patna, India
Prof. Pradip K. Jain is an eminent educator and researcher currently serving as the Director of the National Institute of Technology Patna. He began his academic journey at IIT‑BHU, where he joined as a Lecturer in Electronics Engineering in 1981 and rose to the rank of Professor by 2001. He held several leadership roles there, including Dean of Research & Development, Head of Department, and Coordinator of various advanced research centers.
Prof. Jain’s research expertise lies in the development and modeling of high‑power microwave devices, including gyrotron and traveling wave tubes. He has collaborated extensively with national agencies like DRDO, CEERI, and DAE, and has guided numerous PhD scholars, published hundreds of papers, and contributed to patents and book chapters. As NIT Patna’s Director, he has led initiatives to upgrade campus infrastructure, introduce dual‑degree programs in emerging fields, and implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—such as bilingual instruction and structured student induction programs—strengthening both academic and administrative excellence under his leadership.
Prof. Manohar Lal Kaushik
IGNOU, New Delhi, India
Prof. Manohar Lal Kaushik is a distinguished academic at the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. With a strong background in theoretical computer science, he has made notable contributions to the field of coding theory. His expertise lies in designing error-correcting codes that address both random and burst errors using innovative approaches such as the “class metric,” which introduces new possibilities for efficient and reliable data transmission.
Over the years, Prof. Kaushik has authored several research papers that explore the development of novel coding structures, class-based metrics, and their applications in modern communication systems. His work enhances the theoretical foundation of digital information processing and supports the ongoing evolution of secure and fault-tolerant computing. Through his teaching and research, he continues to inspire students and contribute to academic excellence at IGNOU.
Prof. Om Prakash
IIT Patna, India
Prof. Om Prakash is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, India. He holds a faculty position in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he actively contributes to both teaching and advanced research. His areas of specialization include thermal engineering, energy systems, heat transfer, and renewable energy technologies. Prof. Prakash is known for his innovative work in solar thermal systems and sustainable energy solutions, with numerous publications in reputed international journals and conferences.
Beyond his research, Prof. Prakash is deeply involved in mentoring students and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. He has supervised several doctoral and postgraduate theses and participated in various government-funded research projects. His commitment to sustainable development and energy efficiency aligns with national and global goals, making him a vital contributor to India’s pursuit of green technology and engineering excellence.
Prof. Sandeep Kumar
IIT BHU, Varanasi, India
Prof. Sandeep Kumar is a respected faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Varanasi, India, serving in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His academic interests span across manufacturing processes, materials engineering, and advanced machining techniques. Prof. Kumar is recognized for his extensive research in areas such as additive manufacturing, micro-machining, and sustainable manufacturing practices, with several publications in high-impact journals and active participation in national and international conferences.
In addition to his research contributions, Prof. Kumar plays a significant role in academic leadership and student development at IIT BHU. He has guided numerous M.Tech and Ph.D. students and has been involved in various sponsored research and consultancy projects. His work supports innovations in industrial engineering and contributes to the advancement of India’s manufacturing sector through a blend of academic excellence and practical application.
Mr. K. Vasudeva Rao
President, Bhaktivedanta Institute Kolkata
Mr. K. Vasudeva Rao is the President of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata, a pioneering institution dedicated to exploring the interface between science and spirituality. With a background in both scientific inquiry and philosophical thought, he has played a central role in advancing the Institute’s mission to promote dialogue between modern physics, life sciences, and Vedantic wisdom. Under his leadership, the Institute has organized numerous national and international conferences, seminars, and publications aimed at fostering interdisciplinary understanding.
Mr. Rao is deeply committed to the vision of integrating scientific knowledge with spiritual insight for the betterment of humanity. His guidance has been instrumental in engaging scholars, scientists, and students in meaningful discourse on consciousness, the nature of reality, and the spiritual foundations of science. Through his efforts, the Bhaktivedanta Institute continues to serve as a unique platform for intellectual and spiritual exploration.
Mr. Varun Agarwal
Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute Kolkata
Mr. Varun Agarwal serves as the Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata, where he leads initiatives that bridge science, philosophy, and spirituality. With a strong academic foundation and a keen interest in the philosophical implications of modern science, Mr. Agarwal has been actively involved in organizing academic conferences, seminars, and outreach programs that explore topics such as quantum mechanics, consciousness studies, and Vedantic thought. His leadership reflects a commitment to fostering inquiry that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
As Director, Mr. Agarwal plays a key role in expanding the Institute’s global collaborations and educational efforts. He is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of thinkers who are not only scientifically literate but also spiritually aware. Through his efforts, the Institute continues to promote meaningful dialogue between scientists, scholars, and spiritual practitioners, aiming to contribute to a more holistic understanding of reality and human existence.
Mr. Rajesh Pandit
Quality Analyst, Straive; Alumnus IISER Kolkata
Mr. Rajesh Pandit holds a BS-MS in Mathematics and Statistics from IISER Kolkata and is pursuing a BS in Data Science and Applications at IIT Madras, with student membership in the Institute of Actuaries of India. He has over five years of experience as a Subject Matter Expert and Quality Analyst with organizations like Chegg India, Hurix Digital, and Straive, specializing in statistical modelling, probability, and data interpretation.
An experienced educator in mathematics and statistics at school and undergraduate levels, he is a DST-INSPIRE Scholar and has earned distinctions in academic writing, combining teaching, research, and applied data science to inspire learners.
Ms. Tanushri
Ph.D. Scholar, NIT Patna
Ms. Tanushri is a Ph.D. scholar in Mathematics at the National Institute of Technology, Patna, with research interests in Analysis, Summability Theory, Fuzzy Sequences, and Fuzzy Logic. She has published in reputed journals such as Axioms and Filomat and has presented her research at various national and international conferences, including the Indian Mathematical Society Annual Conference and the International Conference on Advances in Mathematical Sciences.
Beyond research, she serves as the President of the Science and Environment Club at NIT Patna and has been actively engaged in organizing academic workshops and contributing to science outreach programs.