Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Abhay Singh—the 'IIT Baba' who rose to prominence during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj—is once again making headlines. However, this time, the buzz centers on his personal life. Having shed the saffron robes of spirituality, Abhay Singh—the viral 'IIT Baba' of the Mahakumbh—has now stepped into domestic life. The brilliant ascetic, who went viral overnight on social media, has embarked on a new innings in his life. He entered into a love marriage at a Shiva temple in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
The 'IIT Baba's' wife is named Prateeka. She is an engineer by profession. According to media reports, the 'IIT Baba' and Prateeka tied the knot at a temple in Himachal Pradesh this past February, on the occasion of Mahashivratri. This was followed by a civil marriage ceremony. News of the wedding surfaced last Monday when Abhay Singh, accompanied by Prateeka, arrived at his lawyer father's chambers in Jhajjar, Haryana.
Who is this 'IIT Baba'?
Abhay Singh went viral across the country during the Mahakumbh Mela for his sharp intellect and impeccable command of the English language. His decision to choose the arduous path of asceticism after graduating from the IIT sparked nationwide curiosity. The nation was left astonished by his insightful discourse at the Mahakumbh. He ignited a renewed interest in spirituality among the younger generation, who began to view him as a 'modern-age sage.' It was this unique blend of modern higher education and spiritual living that set Abhay apart. A native of Haryana, Abhay Singh studied Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay. However, he made the decision to renounce worldly life and become an ascetic, turning down a lucrative job offer in Canada. He embraced the rigorous path of asceticism at the age of just 30. IIT Baba’s Marriage
According to reports, IIT Baba and Prateeka tied the knot on February 15th of this year—on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivaratri—at the Aghanjara Mahadev Temple in Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, they had a civil marriage ceremony on February 19th. News of the marriage came to light last Monday when Abhay Singh arrived at his father's chamber in Jhajjar, accompanied by Prateeka. Prateeka is a resident of Karnataka. The newlyweds have stated that, following their marriage, they are currently residing in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Reactions from Ascetics in Prayagraj
From the grand stage of the Mahakumbh to marriage—this unexpected turn in Abhay Singh's life has sparked intense discussion across various circles. Several ascetics in Prayagraj have expressed their disapproval of Abhay Singh's marriage. One senior ascetic remarked, "Once one embraces *Sannyasa* (asceticism), it is a lifelong commitment. Marriage is contrary to the dignity of asceticism." Another added, "If he has formally embraced asceticism, then this conduct is inappropriate. It sends a wrong message to society." However, the reaction among ascetics in Varanasi is somewhat different. One ascetic stated, "According to Hindu philosophy, there are four *Ashramas* (stages of life): *Brahmacharya*, *Grihastha*, *Vanaprastha*, and *Sannyasa*. The *Grihastha* (householder) life is equally important." Speaking on the subject of marriage, another ascetic observed, "Spirituality lies not solely in renunciation, but also in maintaining a balance in life. If an individual chooses to marry, it is a personal and social decision."