The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has brought attention to a unique spiritual figure, ‘IIT Baba’ Abhey Singh, a former aerospace engineer turned sanyasi. His journey from IIT Bombay to the spiritual path has captured national interest. Karan Grewal, Abhey’s father recently spoke to the media about the time when he left home and about his early life.
According to his father, Karan Grewal, an advocate from Jhajjar, Haryana, Mr. Singh has always been ‘extraordinary and the best’ in academics. After completing his education at IIT Bombay, he pursued a Master’s in Design and worked in New Delhi and Canada. Eventually, he left Canada to return to India, spending winters in spiritual places such as Shimla, Mussoorie, and Dharamshala.
Choosing the path of sanyas
“After that, he decided to become a sanyasi,” his father told NDTV. “He was always interested in spirituality.” IIT Baba Abhey Singh revealed that ‘domestic violence’ during his childhood influenced his decision to take a spiritual path. While he was not directly affected, he shared that he was ‘traumatised’ by his parents’ constant fights. “Growing up, I would study late at night to escape the chaos at home,” he said. Witnessing his parents’ conflicts also influenced his decision not to marry. “I chose a peaceful, solitary life,” he added.
His father, Karan Grewal, has expressed his wish for Abhey to return home. “Our family wishes Abhey to return home,” he told NDTV. “But after achieving so much, it’s not easy for him to come back.”
Mr. Grewal shared that he was in contact with his son until six months ago. “After that, he blocked me and all communication with me,” he said. “I heard he was in Haridwar and wanted to visit him but couldn’t, and now he has gone viral in the media.”
Despite his longing for his son to return, Mr. Grewal respects Abhey’s choice. “He was always independent, so what he’s decided, he has decided. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they choose, and I can’t pressure him,” he said. When asked if he would try to convince him one last time, he said, “I will try, but in my heart, I feel that after reaching this stage, he’s unlikely to listen to us.”
Who is IIT Baba?
Now widely known as ‘IIT Baba,’ Abhey Singh’s story has gained attention during the grand religious event in Prayagraj. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he explained that his experiences and childhood trauma shaped his path. Meanwhile, his family continues to hope for reconciliation. “His mother asked him to come back, to take care of the family, but he replied that after becoming a sanyasi, that’s no longer possible,” Mr. Grewal said.
