The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) have long been associated with producing some of India’s brightest minds. Many IIT graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the corporate world. However, a handful of these individuals have chosen a very different path. They traded high-paying jobs and prestigious titles for a life dedicated to spirituality. Here are nine inspiring stories of IITians who followed their hearts and embraced a higher calling.
9 IITans who Became Monk
1. Masani Gorakh (IIT Bombay): From Aerospace Engineer to Devotee of Lord Shiva
Abhay Singh, known today as Masani Gorakh, graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. While he excelled academically, he felt unfulfilled in his professional life. Seeking deeper meaning, he explored various creative fields before dedicating himself to spirituality. Adopting the monastic name Masani Gorakh, he devoted his life to Lord Shiva. His presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 inspired many seekers to reflect on their own journeys.
2. Aviral Jain (IIT BHU): From Tech Professional to Jain Monk
Aviral Jain, a Computer Science graduate from IIT BHU, left a successful career at Walmart in 2019 to become a Jain monk. Guided by Vishuddha Sagarji Maharaj, Aviral underwent rigorous meditation and penance. Today, as Muni Shri 108 Nisang Sagarji Maharaj, he inspires others to explore the purpose of life and embrace inner peace.
3. Sanket Parekh (IIT Bombay): From Atheism to Jain Monkhood
Sanket Parekh, a Chemical Engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, worked in the U.S. before experiencing a profound transformation. Raised as an atheist, he eventually embraced spirituality and became a Jain monk under the guidance of Acharya Yug Bhushan Suri. Sanket’s journey illustrates the power of introspection and the courage to follow one’s inner truth.
4. Acharya Prashant (IIT Delhi): A Life of Intellectual Awakening
Prashant Tripathi, known as Acharya Prashant, earned his degree from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. Despite a brief stint in civil services, his passion for spirituality led him to found Advait Life Education. Through his teachings and writings, Acharya Prashant bridges ancient wisdom with modern-day challenges, helping people lead more meaningful lives.
5. Mahan Maharaj (IIT Kanpur): Merging Mathematics and Spirituality
Mahan Maharaj, also called Swami Vidyanathananda, graduated from IIT Kanpur and earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2008, he joined the Ramakrishna Order and now serves as a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. His life demonstrates that intellectual rigor and spiritual growth can coexist harmoniously.
6. Gauranga Das (IIT Bombay): From Chemical Engineering to ISKCON Monk
Gauranga Das, an IIT Bombay Chemical Engineering graduate, is now a monk with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He combines his scientific background with spiritual principles to inspire personal growth, sustainability, and spiritual development.
7. Swami Mukundananda (IIT Delhi): From Corporate Success to Spiritual Leadership
Swami Mukundananda, an IIT Delhi Electrical Engineering graduate, left behind a flourishing corporate career to pursue spirituality. As the founder of JKYog, he focuses on yoga, meditation, and holistic living. His teachings emphasize harmony between mind, body, and soul.
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8. Khurshed Batliwala (IIT Bombay): From Mathematics to Personal Growth Mentor
Khurshed Batliwala, affectionately called Bawa, completed his Master’s in Mathematics at IIT Bombay. He became a senior faculty member of the Art of Living Foundation, where he teaches stress management, youth empowerment, and leadership. His practical approach helps people achieve mental well-being and self-awareness.
9. Rasanath Das (IIT Delhi): From Investment Banker to Spiritual Mentor
Rasanath Das, an IIT Delhi graduate in Computer Science, also earned an MBA from Cornell University. He left behind a lucrative career in consulting and investment banking to co-found Upbuild, an organization promoting personal development and conscious leadership. Rasanath’s journey shows how aligning professional life with spiritual values can lead to deeper fulfillment.
Embracing Spiritual Awakening Over Corporate Success
The journeys of these nine IITians reveal a profound truth: life is not just about corporate titles or financial success. By following their spiritual callings, they’ve found a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
These inspiring stories remind us to look beyond material achievements and explore the richness of spiritual traditions. They encourage us to reflect on our own lives, find balance, and embrace what truly matters.
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