“IITian Baba: From Aerospace Engineer to Ascetic – Abhey Singh’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Spirituality”
Abhey Singh, famously known as “IITian Baba,” has captured the internet’s attention with his remarkable journey from an IIT Bombay graduate to an ascetic at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The Haryana-born aerospace engineer, who previously worked in Canada, abandoned a promising career to embark on a path of spirituality, leaving people across the globe amazed by his transformation.
Abhey Singh, whose interview with CNN News18 at the Maha Kumbh went viral, revealed an extraordinary story that has intrigued countless individuals. He studied at the prestigious IIT Bombay, a dream institution for aspiring engineers in India. His disheveled dreadlocks and humble attire surprised many who could not reconcile his current lifestyle with the image of a highly educated professional.
In a recent interview, Singh shed light on his life before renunciation. He disclosed that after graduating, he moved to Canada in 2019 and worked there for three years, earning an impressive salary of ₹3 lakh per month, equating to ₹36 lakh per annum. Despite the lucrative income, Singh emphasized that the cost of living in Canada was equally high. He humorously noted that an apple costing ₹50 in India would sell for ₹200 there, making everyday life an expensive affair.
Singh candidly spoke about the mental struggles he faced while living in Canada. Despite his financial success, he grappled with depression, which led him to introspect deeply and question the meaning of life. This internal conflict spurred his quest for truth and meaning, eventually guiding him toward a spiritual life.
Sharing more about his personal experiences, Singh opened up about his past relationships. He revealed that he had a girlfriend in India and that they were together for four years. However, his childhood experiences with his parents’ marital discord made him apprehensive about marriage. Witnessing their constant fights eroded his belief in the institution, leaving him unable to envision a future built on harmonious relationships. The lack of positive role models, as Singh described, made it difficult for him to navigate his own relationship, eventually causing it to stagnate.
In his interview, Singh also addressed the lifestyle he led before taking his spiritual plunge. He admitted to indulging in drinking and smoking but shared that a deep yearning for truth kept gnawing at him. This yearning eventually overpowered his attachment to materialistic pursuits, prompting him to embrace the ascetic life fully.
Now, as an ascetic known as IITian Baba, Singh has completely severed ties with his past. When asked whether he maintains contact with his family, Singh replied with a simple yet profound response: “Nahi. Ab toh sirf Mahadev hai” (“No, now it’s just Mahadev”). His life’s focus has shifted entirely to spirituality and devotion, leaving behind all worldly attachments and relationships.
Abhey Singh’s journey from an accomplished aerospace engineer to a devoted spiritual seeker is a tale of resilience and self-discovery. His story continues to inspire and intrigue people, making him a fascinating personality whose life reflects the quest for inner peace and purpose amidst life’s many challenges.
