Abhay Singh, popularly known as the ‘IIT Baba’ for his transition from a prestigious engineering career to a life of spirituality, denied allegations that he was ousted from the 16 Madi Ashram of Juna Akhara at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
In a late-night conversation with Aaj Tak on Friday, the aerospace engineer-turned-spiritual figure refuted claims that he abruptly left the ashram, accusing the seers there of spreading false rumours about him.
“They spread wrong news about me,” IIT Baba said. “The operators of the Madi Ashram asked me to leave at night. Now they think I’ve become famous and that I might expose something about them, so they’re claiming I’ve gone for secret meditation. Those people are talking nonsense.”
Reports had suggested that Baba Abhay Singh’s parents had visited the 16 Madi Ashram in search of him, only to find that he had already left. He has now clarified that he was still present at the Maha Kumbh Mela and had not gone to any unknown location.
Moreover, other seers at the ashram had told Aaj Tak that IIT Baba’s constant media interactions were affecting his mental state, leading to “inappropriate” comments. They also accused him of taking drugs. As a result, Juna Akhara decided it was best for him to leave the ashram.
Abhay Singh, however, pushed back against these claims, questioning the authority of those analysing his mental health.
“Who are these psychologists who know by mental state better than me? They should know more than me to give me a certificate,” he said, defending his mental well-being.
He also addressed claims made by Someshwar Puri, a prominent seer belonging to the Juna Akhara, who had asserted that he was the IIT Baba’s guru. Abhay Singh denied this, saying, “Who said he is my guru? “I had already told him there is no guru-disciple relationship between us. Now that I’ve become famous, he’s made himself my guru.”
The IIT Baba’s life story and his presence at Maha Kumbh have catapulted him into the national spotlight.
Born into a Jat family in Haryana, Abhay Singh excelled academically, earning a degree in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. He went on to complete a master’s degree in design and worked briefly in Canada for an airplane manufacturing company
During the Covid-19 lockdown in Canada, Singh’s interest in spirituality deepened. He decided to return to India, where he embraced an itinerant lifestyle, exploring spiritual hubs like Ujjain, and Haridwar.
His family, though initially supportive, eventually grew concerned about his spiritual inclination. They questioned his mental health and even contacted the police on several occasions. Singh eventually left home six months ago after severing ties with his family.
When asked about his son’s choices, the IIT Baba’s father, Karan Singh, told Aaj Tak, “Whatever decision he took for himself is right for him. I don’t want to put any pressure on him. He is a man of his own mind.”