Abhey Singh, the ascetic IIT graduate, explained his unexpected turn from a bright career to the spiritual path. His interview for CNN News18, which he gave at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, gained attention because Singh, or “IITian Baba,” has studied aerospace engineering at IIT Bombay. This was a strange contrast between a modern education and his current form, with long dreadlocks and tattered clothing.
Singh, from Haryana, also disclosed that he had been living in Canada for three years, for which he would earn Rs. 3 lakh per month (Rs. 36 lakh per annum). After so promising a career, Singh left everything behind and devoted himself to spirituality. Explaining to Headlines India, “In INR terms, I was getting Rs. 3 lakh in Canada per month. The prices there are just proportional [to your salary]. An apple here will be selling for Rs. 50. There, it would cost Rs. 200,” he explained.
🚨 IITian Baba aka Abhay Singh has worked in Canada with an annual package of ₹36 lakh.
However, he chose to leave that job.
He has also admitted that he had a girlfriend for four years, and during that time, he was addicted to alcohol & cigarettes.
He said his faith in… pic.twitter.com/rkLMCO2BWD
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) January 15, 2025
Singh said that during the time spent in Canada, there were periods where he battled some mental health problems, forcing him to search more deeply for purpose in life and question everything regarding the mind. He admitted that their marriage life has really affected him. “Shaadi se mujhe darr lagta tha. Mere ghar pe parents ladaai karte the,” Singh confessed. He claimed that his four-year relationship with a girlfriend never worked out as he had never been able to see the correct examples of good relationships in life.
Before embracing the spiritual path, Singh candidly mentioned his indulgences in drinking and smoking, reflecting upon his desire for truth. Whether he stays in touch with his family is a question, to which he replied, “Nahi. Ab toh sirf Mahadev hai,” underlining his complete surrender to spirituality instead of personal relations.
