From Aerospace Engineer to Spiritual Leader: The Story of ‘IIT Baba’ and His Expulsion from Juna Akhara
IIT graduate-turned-saint Abhay Singh, popularly known as "IIT Baba," faces expulsion from Juna Akhara for breaching discipline and disrespecting his guru.
From Aerospace Engineer to Spiritual Leader: The Controversial Expulsion of ‘IIT Baba’ from Juna Akhara at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed one of the most talked-about figures in the name of Abhay Singh, popularly known as the “IIT Baba.” An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Singh transitioned from being an aerospace engineer to a spiritual leader, capturing the imagination of millions. However, his meteoric rise took a controversial turn when the Juna Akhara expelled him for alleged breaches of discipline, including disrespecting his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri.
The Journey of Abhay Singh: From Engineer to Monk
Abhay Singh is from Sasarouli village in Haryana. He has an aerospace engineering degree from IIT Bombay, where he studied between 2008 and 2012. After gaining an impressive All India Rank of 731 in the IIT JEE exam, Singh was off to a promising career. He worked in Canada, bagging an enviable annual package of ₹36 lakh. Material success, however, did not fill the existential void for Singh. He began seeking answers to more profound questions of life through Sanskrit, philosophy, and spirituality.
By the time the Maha Kumbh Mela started, Singh had already gained a following on social media- more than one lakh on Instagram. His interview, speaking about leaving his high-end career for spirituality, suddenly made him an overnight sensation among the new-age audience who want something more than the usual success of life.
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The Controversies That Led to Expulsion
Singh’s rise to prominence within Juna Akhara was surrounded with controversy. Through his alleged use of abusive words against his guru and fellow seers, the action established to be out of line with the discipline and values of sanyas, he was expelled. Mahant Hari Giri, the chief patron of Juna Akhara, correctly pointed out that such actions were out of place against the sanctity of the guru-shishya tradition and by and large the core tenets of Sanatan Dharma.
Singh also landed himself in controversy through social media. Once, he called his father “Hiranyakashyap” and his guru “pagal” (mad). This brought a storm of protest. After a recommendation from the disciplinary committee, the Juna Akhara banned Singh from participating in their camp until he shows remorse and respect.
A Family Torn Between Pride and Heartbreak
His family has been shocked by the change that Abhay Singh has undergone. Karn, a practicing lawyer and former president of the Jhajjar Bar Association, is ambivalent about his son’s choices. While he was proud of Singh’s academic achievements, he admitted feeling disappointed by his son’s departure from a promising career to take up asceticism.
The family saw signs of spiritual interest when they visited Singh to the naturopathy center at Bhiwani. All of a sudden, he was interested in meditation and philosophy. However, over time, communication has been stretched apart, where Singh is avoiding detailed deliberations and even went to the extent of blocking his family contacts on social media. Yet, Karn remains optimistic and believes that one day, Singh will come back home.
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The Righteous Story of Self-Discovery
Singh’s journey, while fraught with challenges, resonates deeply with those seeking a purpose beyond material success. His story is a poignant reminder of the internal conflicts faced by individuals who choose unconventional paths. Whether viewed as a tale of spiritual awakening or a cautionary example of rebellion against tradition, Abhay Singh’s life underscores the complexities of balancing personal aspirations with societal expectations.
The IIT Baba’s expulsion from the Juna Akhara may serve as a blow to the man in his spiritual journey, but it also throws up a question more general for this entire pursuit of enlightenment through discipline, respect, and tradition. But his story, for now, keeps inspiring debates and reflections among followers and skeptics alike.
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