From engineering to spirituality: Meet the IITian Baba at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela

Dubai: At the world’s largest religious festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela, currently ongoing at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, one encounters people from all walks of life. This grand event, held every 12 years, draws millions of devotees who converge to take a sacred dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati rivers.

One of the most iconic aspects of the Maha Kumbh Mela is the presence of Babas (ascetics or sages). These spiritual figures include Naga Babas, Aghori Sadhus, and globally respected religious leaders.

Yet, amid this spiritual congregation, the presence of an ‘IITian Baba’ has captivated the online world, sparking admiration and curiosity alike.

Abhay Singh, now known as Masani Gorakh, is an aerospace engineering graduate from IIT Bombay who has taken a unique path. After earning his degree and exploring various career options, he chose to dedicate his life to spirituality. His story came to light during a recent interview with CNN News18, where he shared insights into his remarkable transformation.

Originally hailing from Haryana, Singh pursued a Master’s in Design and worked in photography after completing his engineering studies. He also coached students in Physics. However, his quest for the meaning of life led him to explore philosophy, including Postmodernism and the teachings of Socrates and Plato.

“You look for the meaning of life. Even while I was studying engineering, I took philosophy courses to understand what life is about,” he explained during the interview with CNN News18. After trying his hand at various careers, Singh returned home to focus on “basic things.”

Singh’s journey ultimately led him to spirituality, which he describes as the “real knowledge” that allows one to understand the mind and mental health. “I now understand that this is real knowledge. If you have to understand the mind or mental health, you can do it through spirituality,” he said. Singh remains unfazed by societal opinions, asserting, “This stage is the best stage.

His story has gone viral on social media, with many praising his decision to prioritise knowledge and self-discovery over material pursuits.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a monumental event in the religious calendar, alternating among four locations in India. It serves as a unique platform to showcase India’s cultural and spiritual traditions while attracting tourists and pilgrims from across the globe.

This year’s festival highlights include key 'snaan' (sacred dip) dates:

This year’s festival, which runs from January 13 to February 26, is expected to attract over 400 million participants, showcasing India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

With its vibrant spiritual atmosphere and unparalleled diversity, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to be a beacon of India’s enduring faith and unity.