The Journey of Abhay Singh: From IIT Graduate to Spiritual Seeker: Abhay Singh, also known as ‘IIT Baba’ or ‘IITian Baba,’ has recently been the subject of intense media attention. A former aerospace engineering student from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Singh’s transition from a successful career in engineering to spirituality has fascinated many. However, his association with the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj and his time spent at the Juna Akhara’s ashram has sparked rumors and controversy.
This article delves into Abhay Singh’s life, his spiritual journey, the recent controversy surrounding his alleged ousting from the Mahakumbh Mela ashram, and his responses to the accusations.
The Rise of IIT Baba: Abhay Singh’s Journey to Spirituality
Abhay Singh’s journey to spirituality was not a result of any sudden epiphany, but rather an ongoing quest for meaning in life. Born in Haryana, Singh was a highly ambitious student who excelled in academics, eventually securing admission to IIT Bombay, one of the most prestigious engineering institutions in India.
In his time at IIT, Singh specialized in aerospace engineering, a field that typically paves the way for high-paying careers in both India and abroad. After completing his studies, Singh worked in Canada for three years, earning ₹3 lakh per month or ₹36 lakh per annum.
However, despite the promising career and material success, Singh began grappling with personal challenges, particularly related to mental health. He faced bouts of depression in Canada, a struggle that led him to reevaluate his life choices. His inner turmoil made him question the very purpose of his existence and the role of the mind in shaping human experience. This existential crisis prompted Singh to leave behind his lucrative career and explore the path of spirituality, seeking a deeper understanding of life and its mysteries.
‘IIT Baba’ at the Mahakumbh Mela: A Spiritual Awakening
In 2021, Singh’s life took a dramatic turn when he arrived at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The event, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, attracts millions of devotees, ascetics, and spiritual seekers. Singh, who had already gained some popularity for his unique approach to spirituality, became an overnight sensation at the Mela.
What set Singh apart from others was his ability to break down complex spiritual concepts into simple, visual diagrams and presentations. His scientific background in aerospace engineering gave him the ability to explain esoteric ideas in a way that resonated with a wide audience. This approach earned him the moniker ‘IIT Baba’ or ‘IITian Baba,’ as he was seen as a bridge between modern science and ancient spiritual wisdom.
Singh’s popularity grew rapidly after media interviews during the Mahakumbh Mela, where he revealed his educational background and the reasons behind his spiritual journey. His candidness about his struggles with depression and his quest for meaning resonated deeply with many. For some, Singh became a symbol of transformation—someone who had turned away from material success to seek inner peace.
The Controversy: Alleged Ousting from the Juna Akhara Ashram
However, Abhay Singh’s rise to prominence did not come without its share of controversies. Reports surfaced that Singh had allegedly disappeared from the Juna Akhara’s ashram at the Mahakumbh Mela, sparking rumors about his departure from the religious gathering. Some reports suggested that Singh had fled the ashram under mysterious circumstances, adding fuel to the fire.
Singh, however, quickly responded to these claims, calling the reports “wrong news.” In an interview with Aaj Tak, he clarified that it was not his choice to leave the ashram. Instead, he claimed that the operators of the Madi Ashram had asked him to leave at night. According to Singh, the ashram authorities believed that his growing fame could expose certain matters that they preferred to keep hidden. Singh stated that he was still present at the religious gathering, dismissing rumors that he had disappeared for secret meditation.
“I was asked to leave by the operators of the ashram. They think I’ve become famous and might expose something about them, so they claim I’ve gone for secret meditation. Those people are talking nonsense,” Singh asserted.
Mental Health Allegations and Accusations from Fellow Seers
The controversy surrounding Abhay Singh didn’t stop there. Some fellow seers and religious figures at the Mahakumbh Mela began to raise concerns about his mental health. They claimed that Singh was suffering from a disturbed mental state due to his constant interactions with the media. The seers also suggested that Singh might be consuming drugs, accusing him of being unstable and implying that it was better for him to leave the ashram for his well-being.
Singh vehemently rejected these allegations, questioning the authority of those who were commenting on his mental health. “They should know more than me to give me a certificate,” he remarked, refuting any claims that he was mentally unstable.
In addition to the mental health accusations, another significant point of contention was Singh’s relationship with seer Someshwar Puri of the Juna Akhara. Puri had claimed that Singh was his disciple, but Singh quickly dismissed this assertion. He clarified that there was never any guru-disciple relationship between them. “I had already told him there is no guru-disciple relationship between us. Now that I’ve become famous, he’s made himself my guru,” Singh said, refuting the seer’s claim and questioning his motivations.
The Story Behind the Name: ‘IIT Baba’ and the Search for Meaning
Abhay Singh’s story is one of personal transformation, driven by his search for deeper meaning and spiritual enlightenment. His decision to leave behind a promising career and embark on a spiritual journey speaks to the challenges faced by many individuals in today’s fast-paced, materialistic world.
Singh’s openness about his struggles with mental health, particularly his depression during his time in Canada, highlights the internal conflict that many face when they are unable to find fulfillment in external achievements alone. His decision to pursue spirituality at the Mahakumbh Mela is not just a physical journey but also a metaphysical one, as he seeks to understand the nature of the mind, consciousness, and existence.
Despite the controversies and the accusations directed at him, Singh remains resolute in his path. He continues to engage with the public and media, using his unique perspective to bridge the worlds of science and spirituality. His story is a reminder that true fulfillment often comes not from external success, but from a deeper understanding of the self and the world around us.
Conclusion: A Spiritual Seeker in a World Full of Noise
Abhay Singh, or ‘IIT Baba,’ may have found himself at the center of media attention, but his story is far from ordinary. He represents a modern-day seeker, someone who, despite his academic background and material success, chose to follow a path that many might deem unconventional. While the controversies surrounding his time at the Mahakumbh Mela and the accusations from fellow seers may have cast a shadow on his journey, they have also added to the complexity of his narrative.
Singh’s quest for spiritual knowledge is ongoing, and as he continues to navigate the challenges of fame, skepticism, and self-discovery, his journey remains one of profound personal significance. Whether or not the controversies surrounding him will dissipate, Abhay Singh’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-reflection and the pursuit of inner peace.