New Delhi:

Abhey Singh, a former aerospace engineer from IIT Bombay who has become a major attraction in Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela, has been expelled from his akhara.

According to media reports, Mr Singh, dubbed the ‘IITian Baba’, was banned from entering the Juna Akhara camp and its surroundings for using abusive language against his Guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri.

A member of the Juna Akhara, however, said he was not associated with them.

“He was defaming us,” he told NDTV. “He was a vagabond, not a sadhu. He used to say anything on TV. He was thrown out.”.

He was not even a disciple of anyone, the member said.

‘IITian Baba’ On His Expulsion

The ‘IITian Baba’ has denied allegations that he was ousted from Akhara. Speaking to a news channel Friday, he accused the seers at the Akhara of spreading rumours about him.

“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,” Mr Singh, who has more than three lakh followers on Instagram, said.

Mr Singh, who is often also referred to as ‘Engineer Baba’, is a resident of Haryana. He says he left the path of science for spirituality.

“Science helps explain the physical world but its deeper study inevitably leads one towards spirituality. A true understanding of life ultimately brings one closer to spirituality,” he had said while engaging with devotees at Maha Kumbh.

The 36-year-old claimed to have completed his aerospace engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

‘IITian Baba’ Abhey Singh’s Traumatic Past

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV this week, Abhey Singh opened up about how the turmoil in his family home shaped his path.

“There was a mental health issue,” he said hesitantly when asked about his childhood experiences.

“The traumatic incident of domestic violence in my childhood had a significant effect on me,” he said.

Asked if he had experienced domestic violence firsthand, Mr Singh clarified, “Not directly, but my parents used to fight amongst themselves, which affects the child.”

“During my school days, I’d come home at 5 or 6 pm, and go straight to sleep to escape the chaos. I’d wake up at midnight when everything was quiet and no one was getting into fights, lock my door, and study in peace,” Mr Singh told NDTV.

He described the “helplessness” he felt as a child, watching his parents fight. “As a child, you don’t understand what’s happening, and you don’t know how to react. Your mind isn’t developed enough. You’re just helpless,” he said.

Asked if this childhood trauma influenced his decision not to marry, the ‘IITian Baba’ chuckled and admitted, “Exactly. I thought, why get married and face the same fights and conflicts that I saw in my childhood? It’s better to live alone and have a peaceful life.”

The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has drawn millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace and purification in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam. Among the many saints, sages and religious leaders attending this spiritual gathering, one figure has captured the attention of visitors and media alike – a former aerospace engineer from IIT Bombay, now known as ‘IIT Baba.’

The man behind this intriguing persona is Abhey Singh, a Haryana native who traded his scientific pursuits for a life devoted to spirituality. Often referred to as ‘Engineer Baba’ by those attending the Kumbh, Mr Singh has a unique story that stands out in a sea of spiritual narratives.

Mr Singh shared his unconventional journey, saying he left the path of science for spirituality. He claimed to have completed his aerospace engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. He added that he lived in Mumbai for four years before shifting his focus to photography and the arts, even drawing parallels with the film ‘3 Idiots.’

Mr Singh secured a job offer through campus placements. He worked briefly in the corporate world before realising that his true calling lay elsewhere.

It was his passion for photography, particularly travel photography, that eventually led him to leave engineering. He pursued a professional course in travel photography, which proved to be a turning point. “During this period, my philosophy about life began to change,” he said.

After venturing into photography, Mr Singh also tried his hand at teaching. He opened a coaching centre where he taught physics to students. However, despite his academic success, the traditional career path did not bring him the fulfilment he sought. Gradually, his interests shifted towards spirituality, and he dedicated his life to understanding and experiencing deeper spiritual truths.

Today, Singh identifies as a devotee of Lord Shiva. Reflecting on his spiritual awakening, he said, “Now I am enjoying spirituality. I understand spirituality through science. I am going into its depths. Everything is Shiva. Truth is Shiva, and Shiva is beautiful.”

His presence at the Maha Kumbh has stirred curiosity, given his ability to engage with journalists in fluent English. His blend of scientific knowledge and spiritual wisdom sets him apart from the traditional image of an ascetic.

On social media, he maintains a modest but growing presence. On Instagram, he has already amassed almost 29,000 followers. His posts predominantly revolve around meditation, yoga, ancient sutras and spiritual practices.

Speaking about his experience at the Maha Kumbh, Singh expressed a sense of tranquillity, saying that being there has given him peace of mind.