Meet 9 IIT Graduates Who Ditched Million-Dollar Salaries For Sanyas
A degree from an IIT often leads to high-paying jobs, with MTech graduates earning even more. Choosing to forgo such careers to live a spiritual life is both inspiring and remarkable
Nine Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) alumni, each a top performer in their fields, have embraced a life of renunciation, becoming ‘sanyasis’ dedicated to spiritual pursuits. Their decision to forego lucrative careers to embrace spirituality is sure to inspire awe. Discovering the individual stories of these nine remarkable individuals will undoubtedly leave one deeply impressed.
In India, securing admission to IITs is considered a remarkable achievement. Students who gain entry into these prestigious institutions bring immense pride not only to their families but also to their communities. A four-year undergraduate degree (BTech) from an IIT often translates into lucrative job offers with salaries reaching lakhs of rupees. Pursuing a postgraduate degree (MTech) after the BTech can further elevate earning potential, with salaries reaching crores in some cases. Many IIT graduates also secure employment opportunities with prominent multinational corporations abroad.
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Consider the profound impact when individuals relinquish high-paying positions, valued at crores, to embark on a spiritual path. At first, one might assume such a decision stems from profound conviction. However, it is upon closer acquaintance that their true influence becomes apparent.
Let us delve into the lives of nine such IIT graduates. Some of them even obtained PhD degrees from IIMs and the University of California after graduating from IIT.
Abhay Singh – Masani Gorakh
Abhay Singh, also known as Masani Gorakh, barely 30 years old, holds a B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Bombay and pursued further engineering courses. He was employed in a lucrative position in Canada.
However, three years ago, he chose to embrace a life of asceticism and is currently a prominent figure at the Maha Kumbh. Now a devotee of Lord Shiva, he dedicates himself to rigorous spiritual practices in pursuit of enlightenment.
Aviral Jain
A graduate in Computer Science from IIT BHU, Aviral Jain, was employed at Walmart in America, earning a salary worth crores. In 2019, he made the life-altering decision to leave his position and embrace the life of a Jain monk. Now a disciple of Vishuddha Sagar Ji Maharaj, he dedicates himself to rigorous meditation, seeking to attain supreme knowledge.
Sanket Parekh
Sanket Parekh, an IIT Bombay graduate in Chemical Engineering, left a lucrative career in America to embrace a life of renunciation as a Jain monk. What makes his journey intriguing is Parekh’s previous lack of religious inclination. Despite his family’s attempts to dissuade him, Parekh embarked on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. He underwent two years of rigorous meditation under the guidance of Acharya Yug Bhushan Suri, ultimately transitioning into a fully ordained Jain monk.
Acharya Prashant
Acharya Prashant is a highly influential spiritual guru with a significant presence on social media. A graduate of the prestigious IIT Delhi, he furthered his academic achievements with an MBA from the world-renowned Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. His exceptional qualifications led him to become an IAS officer, a testament to his capabilities. However, driven by a profound shift in perspective, he embarked on a new path, establishing Advaita Life Education. Today, Acharya Prashant’s sermons and extensive collection of hundreds of books serve as a source of enlightenment, inspiring individuals worldwide.
Mahan MJ
Now known as Swami Vidyanath Nanda, Mahan MJ is a former IIT Kanpur graduate with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of California. In 2008, he renounced worldly life and joined the Ramakrishna Math. He is also a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Mumbai. Through his spirituality, he imparts profound insights into the depths of life.
Gauranga Das
A Chemical Engineering graduate from the prestigious IIT Bombay, Gauranga Das chose to leave his professional career to join the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Now ranking among India’s most respected motivational speakers, he combines his scientific background with spiritual insights to offer solutions to life’s challenges.
Swami Mukundananda
Swami Mukundananda holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and an MBA from IIM Kolkata. He also worked in a corporate job before experiencing a profound spiritual calling. Answering this call, he embraced the life of a sanyasi. He is the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Yoga Sansthan, an organisation where he teaches yoga, meditation, and a holistic approach to living.
Rasanath Das
Rasanath Das, a Computer Science graduate from IIT Delhi, also holds an MBA from Cornell University. After a brief period in a prominent corporate role, he embarked on a spiritual journey, becoming associated with ISKCON. Driven by his spiritual pursuits, he founded Upbuild, an organisation dedicated to cultivating inner leadership qualities in individuals through spirituality.
Sandeep Kumar Bhatt
Sandeep Kumar Bhatt graduated with an engineering degree from IIT Delhi. He received the gold medal for his batch in 2002. After completing his MTech, he secured a high-paying job. However, at the age of 28, he made the unexpected decision to renounce the material world and embrace a life of sanyas. Upon becoming a sanyasi, he adopted the name Swami Sundar Gopaldas.
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