Prof. Mala Kapadia
In Bharatiya Manas Sastra, Prof. Mala Kapadia integrates ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary science to explore the foundations of human psychology and well-being. Drawing on the Vedas, Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Natya Shastra, she reframes psychology around the timeless inquiries: Who am I? and How can life be meaningful?
The book begins with the idea of involution―the movement from the unmanifest to the manifest―and examines how the individual relates to the Universe through the five elements, three gunas, and the purusharthas. It highlights Manas as the bridge between body and consciousness, essential for health, happiness, and sensory harmony. The heart, or Hridaya, is presented as the center of human existence, connecting ancient knowledge with modern research on resonance and psychosomatic wellness.
Prof. Kapadia redefines personality as Swabhava using Ayurvedic principles and explores Chitta through the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga, offering practices to transform deep-rooted samskaras. She also links the aesthetics of the Natya Shastra to emotional intelligence, contrasting Western theories with Abhinavagupta’s insights on emotional transformation.
Tracing psychogenic ideas from the Atharva Veda to modern psychoneuroimmunology, the text presents a holistic view of health (Swasthya) and happiness (Sukha) grounded in Dharma and sustainable living. Aligned with India’s National Education Policy (2020), it proposes a transformative psychology curriculum. Shaped by Prof. Kapadia’s work at the Anaadi Foundation’s Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, the book encourages a dharma of peace, health, and collective well-being―offering guidance for educators, leaders, and seekers alike.
Prof. Mala Kapadia is a highly accomplished scholar and practitioner with a distinguished career spanning research, education, journalism, human resources, and consulting. She is a passionate advocate for integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern approaches to wellbeing, leadership, and organizational development. Wellbeing and Happiness, Sustainability – Individual and Planetary Flourishing and Indigenous Psychology are some of the areas of teaching and research.
Dr. Kapadia is currently the Director of Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, at the Anaadi Foundation and the Principal Investigator for a Ministry of Education (India) Indian Knowledge Systems Research Project on Wellbeing and Happiness based on Ayurveda.
Grateful to Gurus- an initiative by Indica Academy selected Dr. Mala Kapadia as one the Guru in 2023, for inspiring young minds in ancient wisdom.
Dr. Mala is member of the Advisory Council of Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, India.
She was Professor; Director, Centre for Wellbeing; Wellness, Rashtram School of Public Leadership, Rishihood University, Sonipat.
Dr. Mala Kapadia has been an Associate Professor, People and Performance with SPJIMR in 2005-2006. She continued her career as Adjunct Professor with SPIJR 2007-2010. Dr. Mala has also been an Adjunct Professor with S. P. Jain School of Global Management at Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, and Mumbai campuses from 2005 to March 2020. Her specialized contribution was in designing and teaching Leadership, Organizational Behavior and Managing teams.
Dr. Mala was a Convenor, IKS Sources, Theories, Concepts and Practices, Rashtram School of Public Leadership and AICTE IKS Division, November 2021.
Convenor of Faculty Development Program Gender Studies, CPDHE, Delhi University, February 2022.
AyuManasa 2022 was designed and curated along with AVP Research Foundation in July 2022. First of its kind program on Psychology and Ayurveda.
Chairperson, Ayurveda Conversations, in association with IKS Division MoE, GOI, Ashirvad Health Trust and Punarnava Trust, 2023; 2024.
Resource Person, IKS FTP UGC Sponsored and facilitated by IKS Division and Malviya Mission Teachers Training Centres at Nagpur, Varanasi, Srinagar, and Guwahati.
She has participated in many National and International Conferences and Symposiums.
