Recently, the “IITian Baba” of Kumbh 2025 has gone viral on social media, capturing attention due to his unique background as an IIT graduate who turned to the path of renunciation. However, news has surfaced that he has been expelled from his Akhara. I’m curious to know more about his story; who is he, and what led him to leave a prestigious academic career to become a sadhu?
Also, why was he removed from his Akhara? Was it due to ideological differences, rule violations, or something else? How have the public and other sadhus reacted to this decision? If anyone has more details or insights into this controversy, please share!
Abhay Singh, also known as IIT Baba was born in 1978 in Haryana, India. He is also one of the most talked-about personalities at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh 2025. Abhay was born into a Jat family in Haryana. He excelled in Academics and was always a bright student. He earned a degree in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. Later, he went to Canada to complete his master’s design and worked for an airplane manufacturing company. In Canada, his yearly Package was Rs 36 lakh.
His quest for Spirituality began during Covid 19 when he returned to India. He embraced spirituality and a nomadic lifestyle and even explored Some Spiritual hubs like Haridwar and Ujjain. Initially, his parents supported his lifestyle but later they began to worry about him and also questioned his mental health and suggested Abhay visit a few physiatrists. Owing to this family pressure he left home after 6 months severing ties with his family.
Abhay Singh during his academic tenure also developed a great interest in philosophy and was always inclined toward studying the works of Plato, and Socrates. According to him despite having a great qualification he realized that his true calling was spirituality.
Viral IITian Baba of Kumbh: Abhay Singh Personal Information
Abhay Singh was expelled from Juna Akhara after being accused of misconduct including using abusive language towards his guru Mahant Someshwar Puri. In a statement, Chief Patron Mahant Hari Giri of Juna Akhara said he disrespected the Sanatan dharma by referring to his father as Hiranyakashyap and calling him mad sparking outrage among the seers.
The steers also said the constant media appearances were also affecting their mental state resulting in what they described as inappropriate behavior. They also accused him of taking drugs and so the disciplinary committee decided it was best for him to leave the ashram. The Steers also said he would remain barred until he demonstrated respect for Akhara principles and adhered to its discipline. They also said they have banned him from entering the Akhara Camp and its surroundings.
Abhay Singh’s Spiritual Journey began as a quest for knowledge and inner peace but his difficult childhood and struggle to find real meaning in conventional career paths made him inclined to explore various disciplines such as psychology, philosophy, and Sanskrit. He sought to bridge the gap between science and spirituality.