'IITian Baba' at Maha Kumbh, left science for spirituality
What's the story
Abhay Singh, aka the "IITian Baba," has emerged as one of the stars of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The world's largest religious festival is home to several babas, from Naga Babas to Aghori Sadhus. But it is Singh's presence that is taking the internet by storm, thanks to his unique combination of spirituality and academic excellence.
Spiritual transition
Singh's academic background and journey to spirituality
In an interview with CNN News18, Singh revealed he studied aerospace engineering at IIT Bombay. The revelation left the interviewer momentarily speechless. When asked about his transition to spirituality, Singh described it as "the best stage," adding a continuous pursuit of knowledge led him down this path. He further shared he was born in Haryana and spent four years studying at IIT Bombay before pursuing a master's in design.
Philosophical pursuit
Singh's philosophical exploration during academic studies
During his academic days, Singh explored philosophy to understand the meaning of life. "You look for the meaning of life. Even while I was studying engineering, I took philosophy courses - Post Modernism, Socrates, Plato - to understand what is the meaning of life," he said. This exchange between Singh and the interviewer has now gone viral on social media, with many users lauding him for choosing knowledge over wealth.