Internet sensation 'IIT Baba' from Kumbh Mela expelled from Juna Akhara

Singh has been expelled for allegedly using abusive language against his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri.

"The actions of Abhay Singh violate the sacred guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition and the core principles of sanyas.

"Disrespecting one’s guru is a profound disregard for Sanatan Dharma and the values upheld by the akhara," Mahant Hari Giri, the chief patron of Juna Akhara, said as quoted by News 18.

The former aerospace engineer-turned-saint became an overnight sensation on social media with countless Instagram reels showcasing his various activities at the religious event which is taking place in one of the prominent cities of Uttar Pradesh.

Abhay Singh aka Masani Gorakh, also known as IITian Baba, revealed that in his career he earned a Masters in Design and worked in photography besides teaching physics to students, before shifting to the world of spirituality.

Reporter: "Aerospace Engineering from IIT Mumbai? How did you reach this stage?"
IITian Baba: "This stage is the best stage! Keep following knowledge, keep following it."#KumbhMela pic.twitter.com/2FdrGCZ40q — The Indian Index (@Indian_Index) January 13, 2025

Speaking to News 18 earlier, the IIT Bombay graduate said he delved into philosophical concepts like post-Modernism, Socrates and Plato – to “understand the meaning of life".

He had told the news channel, "I now understand that this is real knowledge. If you have to understand the mind or mental health, than you can do it (through spirituality)."

He said he hardly cares what people think about his news career path.

Meanwhile, thousands of pilgrims took the holy dip in the chilling water at the confluence of the three rivers- the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.