Concerns have been raised about the story of 10-year-old Abhinav Arora, a Delhi boy who has gained recognition as a spiritual orator. Abhinav claims to have begun his spiritual journey at the age of three, inspired by a natural calling towards Hindu deities, particularly Shri Ram and Shri Krishna.
Often referred to as Bal Sant (Child Saint), Abhinav presents himself as someone detached from material pursuits, dedicating his time to prayer. He boasts nearly a million followers on Instagram, where he promotes himself as India’s youngest spiritual orator.
Coaching Allegations
A YouTube channel named Only Desi has questioned the authenticity of Abhinav’s spiritual narrative, suggesting that his public persona may stem more from parental coaching, particularly from his father, Tarun Raj Arora, than from genuine spiritual inclination.
Abhinav has appeared on several major news channels, discussing his religious beliefs, daily life, and school experiences. His father often claims that his son’s spiritual practices are self-directed, suggesting that Abhinav’s journey into oratory and devotion is instinctual rather than influenced.
Evidence of Coaching
YouTuber Ankit, the creator behind Only Desi, compiled a series of video clips showcasing Abhinav providing identical responses in various interviews. Ankit argues that the consistency in Abhinav’s phrasing and intonation suggests that his father has coached him on what to say. Additionally, Ankit shared videos where Abhinav appears flustered and unprepared when confronted with questions outside his rehearsed script.
The Family’s Background
Ankit further unearthed older videos of Abhinav, where he spoke “normally” instead of the formal Hindi he currently uses. These clips date back to when his father launched an ice cream business, featuring his son in promotional content, which contradicts claims that Abhinav’s spiritual path began at the age of three.
In these earlier recordings, Abhinav is seen using a smartphone and wearing casual T-shirts, while he has since adopted a wardrobe of traditional Indian kurtas. He now claims to avoid phone use despite maintaining an active presence on social media.
Questions About Authenticity
Ankit also challenged the integrity of Abhinav’s teachings, questioning why, despite his professed spiritual values and non-materialistic philosophy, he collaborates with brands for social media content. Moreover, Ankit noted that lawsuits have been filed against Abhinav’s father, Tarun Raj Arora, related to his ice cream venture, Falooda Express.
