From IIT to Spirituality: 9 IITians who left high-paying jobs to become ascetics
Discover the inspiring journeys of 9 IITians who left lucrative careers to embrace spirituality, showcasing their transition from high-paying jobs to lives of asceticism and inner peace.
Masani Gorakh (IIT Bombay): Abhay Singh, now known as Masani Gorakh, graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Despite a promising career in science and technology, he felt a deeper calling towards spirituality. After exploring various fields, including design and photography, and coaching students in physics, he dedicated his life to Lord Shiva, adopting the monastic name Masani Gorakh. His journey gained widespread attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, where his presence resonated with many seekers.
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Aviral Jain (IIT BHU): A Computer Science graduate from IIT BHU, Aviral Jain secured a prestigious position at Walmart with a high-pay package. In 2019, he chose to renounce his corporate career to become a Jain monk. Under the mentorship of Vishuddha Sagarji Maharaj, Aviral underwent rigorous meditation and penance before his initiation as Muni Shri 108 Nisang Sagarji Maharaj. His transformation from a tech professional to a spiritual ascetic has inspired many to reflect on the true purpose of life.
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Sanket Parekh (IIT Bombay): An alumnus of IIT Bombay with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Sanket Parekh was employed in the United States when he experienced a profound shift towards spirituality. Despite his atheist upbringing, he decided to embrace monkhood, a decision that surprised his family. Sanket spent over two years under the guidance of Acharya Yug Bhushan Suri, learning the principles of Jain monastic life. His journey underscores the transformative power of spiritual awakening, transcending cultural and familial expectations.
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Acharya Prashant (IIT Delhi): Prashant Tripathi, known as Acharya Prashant, completed his engineering degree from IIT Delhi and later pursued an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. After a stint in civil services, he felt a compelling need to delve into spirituality. He founded Advait Life Education, an organization dedicated to fostering self-awareness and intelligent spirituality. Acharya Prashant has authored numerous books and is recognized for his teachings that bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary life challenges.
Mahan Mj (IIT Kanpur): Mahan Maharaj, also known as Swami Vidyanathananda, is an accomplished mathematician who graduated from IIT Kanpur and earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2008, he embraced monastic life by joining the Ramakrishna Order. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, seamlessly integrating his academic pursuits with his spiritual commitments. His life exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of intellectual rigor and spiritual depth.
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Gauranga Das (IIT Bombay): A Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, Gauranga Das chose the path of spirituality and became a monk associated with ISKCON. He is renowned for his motivational speaking, focusing on personal development, spiritual growth, and sustainability initiatives. Gauranga Das applies his scientific background to address life's challenges, offering practical solutions infused with spiritual wisdom.
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Swami Mukundananda (IIT Delhi): Swami Mukundananda holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Calcutta. Despite a successful corporate career, he felt an inner urge to seek deeper truths. He renounced his professional life to become a spiritual leader and founded the Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog (JKYog) organization. Swami Mukundananda is acclaimed for his teachings on yoga, meditation, and holistic living, aiming to harmonize the mind, body, and soul.
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Khurshed Batliwala (IIT Bombay): Khurshed Batliwala, affectionately known as Bawa, completed his Master's in Mathematics from IIT Bombay. He chose to diverge from a conventional career path, dedicating himself to the Art of Living Foundation. As a senior faculty member, Bawa focuses on youth empowerment, personal growth, and leadership development. His teachings emphasize the importance of mental well-being and stress-free living, resonating with individuals worldwide.
Rasanath Das (IIT Delhi): An IIT Delhi graduate in Computer Science Engineering, Rasanath Das further pursued an MBA from Cornell University. He worked in strategy consulting and investment banking before experiencing a spiritual awakening that led him to monastic life. As a monk, Rasanath co-founded Upbuild, an organization dedicated to personal development and conscious leadership, helping individuals align their professional lives with their inner values.
Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.
