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NDTV
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Who Leaves It All Behind? These 8 IITians Did
Graduating from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) is widely seen as a stepping stone to high-paying careers and global opportunities. Students go through years of rigorous preparation to crack one of the world's toughest entrance exams, followed by an intensive academic journey, and often secure prestigious jobs in top multinational companies. However, many of the IIT graduates have taken a different path-one that diverges sharply from material success. After excelling in academics and beginning promising careers, these individuals chose to renounce mainstream life and pursue spirituality. Their decisions reflect diverse motivations ranging from personal fulfillment to a search for deeper meaning. Here's a look at eight such IIT alumni who chose monkhood and spiritual service over conventional professional lives: 1. Gauranga Das (IIT Bombay, in Metallurgical Engineering, 1989-1993) Gauranga Das is a leadership consultant and spiritual mentor associated with ISKCON. He has been involved in social and environmental initiatives, including the Govardhan Ecovillage. He also teaches leadership at IIM Nagpur. 2. Radheshyam Das (IIT, 1990-1993) Radheshyam Das has been associated with ISKCON for over 25 years and currently serves as the President of ISKCON NVCC in Pune. He founded VOICE (Vedic Oasis for Inspiration Culture and Education), which works with students and professionals to integrate values and spiritual inquiry. 3. Acharya Prashant (IIT Delhi, 1995-1999; IIM Ahmedabad, PGDM, 2001-2003) Prashant Tripathi, known as Acharya Prashant, is a contemporary spiritual teacher and author. He founded the PrashantAdvait Foundation and delivers talks on Vedanta and non-duality (Advaita philosophy). Before his spiritual transition, he held roles in the corporate sector. 4. Swami Mukundananda (IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta, PGDM) Swami Mukundananda is a spiritual teacher who combines ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary life applications. He began his career in the corporate world but later turned toward spiritual study and teaching, eventually founding JKYog, an organization promoting yoga and wellness. 5. Mahan Maharaj (IIT Kanpur, in Mathematics, 1992) Also known as Mahan Mj or Swami Vidyanathananda, he is a monk of the Ramakrishna Mission and a professor of mathematics. His academic work, especially in hyperbolic geometry and geometric group theory, has received international recognition. 6. Acharya Jaishankar Narayanan (IIT-BHU, 1992) After graduating from IIT-BHU and briefly working at Tata Steel and in the US, Jaishankar Narayanan embraced the teachings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati and transitioned into monkhood. He now teaches Vedanta and Sanskrit. 7. Madhu Pandit Dasa (IIT Bombay) Madhu Pandit Dasa is known for founding The Akshaya Patra Foundation in 2000, a major NGO that provides mid-day meals to schoolchildren across India. A devotee of ISKCON, he has been active in organizational leadership and social service. 8. Abhay Singh (IIT Bombay, Aerospace Engineering) Now known as 'IIT Baba,' Abhay Singh left his engineering career to lead a spiritual life. A native of Haryana, he has been seen participating in large spiritual gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, where he draws public attention for his unusual journey from IIT to renunciation.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Icons of excellence: Trailblazers redefining success
In today's fast-evolving world, leadership is no longer defined by position alone—it's defined by purpose, innovation, and the courage to create meaningful impact. From business and technology to healthcare, education, spirituality, law, and the arts, these trailblazers are not just leading, they're shaping the future. Their journeys reflect vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that inspires change and uplifts communities. Below are the exceptional individuals who are redefining success and leadership through their work and values. Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, is a globally respected business leader with a legacy of transformative leadership across finance and development. Formerly the CEO of Mastercard, he is known for driving financial inclusion at scale, fostering innovation, and creating inclusive growth opportunities. At the World Bank, he brings a strong focus on sustainable development, climate finance, and digital equity, reimagining global economic systems to be more resilient, inclusive, and impactful. Yaahoo Baba, Founder of Anatta Sangha Yaahoo Baba, contemporary spiritual mystic and founder of Anatta Sangha and Anatta Kirtan, shares over 20 years of experience in Advaita, Zen, Sufi, Bhakti, Tantra, Taoism, and Yoga through his revolutionary Satsang. His global retreats, healing therapies, and sacred music gatherings have guided thousands toward awakening. Madhusudan Halder, Founder of Ideal Eyes Interior Madhusudan Halder, Founder and Principal Designer of Ideal Eyes Interior , is redefining interior spaces with over 13 years of expertise and more than 430 projects delivered. Based in Kolkata, his visionary approach blends elegance and functionality, transforming homes and offices into timeless masterpieces rooted in passion, quality, and innovation. Mahesh N R, CEO of TSL Group Mahesh N R is the CEO of TSL Group, leading diversified ventures in hospitality and lifestyle. With over 10 years of entrepreneurial experience, he has scaled operations, forged global partnerships, and driven consistent growth. His bold leadership, future-focused strategy, and commitment to innovation have positioned him as a key player in India's evolving business landscape. Nirvaan Birla, MD of Birla Open Minds & Techybrid Thinktank Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director of Birla Open Minds Education Pvt. Ltd. and Techybrid Thinktank Pvt. Ltd., is leading a dynamic EdTech and education enterprise. With a vision rooted in innovation, digital learning, and holistic development, he is redefining how India learns by empowering future-ready learners through impactful, tech-driven educational solutions and corporate excellence. Kaushik Sarkar, Director of the Institute for Health Modeling and Climate Solutions (IMACS) Kaushik Sarkar is an innovation executive recognised for leading breakthroughs with AI and Edge Computing to address the growing impact of climate change on global health. From digitising public health systems to designing multi-country One Health initiatives to advancing AI-powered climate-smart country programs, he has led frontier initiatives benefiting millions across more than 15 countries. Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Director - Urology, Uro-Oncology & Kidney Transplantation, Fortis Hospitals Dr. Mohan Keshavamurthy, Principal Director of Urology, Uro-Oncology, and Kidney Transplantation at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, is a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery. With over 30 years of experience, he transitioned to robotic surgery at the age of 50 after completing advanced training in France. He transforms patient outcomes through precision, innovation, and compassion in minimally invasive care. Koinni Saikrishna, Head – ETV WIN OTT & Trailblazer in Regional Digital Entertainment Koinni Saikrishna heads ETV WIN OTT, where he drives content innovation and digital growth in the Telugu entertainment space. Under his leadership, the platform has launched acclaimed originals and expanded its global presence. His sharp content instinct and audience-first thinking are helping redefine regional OTT entertainment for the next generation of viewers. He had driven ETV Win to the top spot on a Telugu regional OTT, surpassing its near competitor. Sachin Rai, Founder & MD, SR IT Technologies Sachin Rai, founder of a thriving laptop rental company, turned a ₹10,000 investment into a tech rental success. Starting from home, he built a loyal customer base through reliability and service. Today, his company serves thousands of professionals to large corporations, offering high-performance, dependable solutions and driving exponential growth in a competitive industry. His journey inspires entrepreneurs everywhere. Sanjivani Piyush Wanelkar, Founder & Strategic Director at Healing Soul Studio Sanjivani specialises in healing meditation and sound therapy, blending ancient wisdom with modern methods to foster inner peace, energy balance and spiritual growth. Through guided practices, healing programs, and products, she creates transformative wellness experiences. Based in Vietnam and India, she offers in-person sessions and holistic solutions for mind, body, and spirit. Sandeep Boora, Founder & CEO of Sandeep Boora, an NIT graduate and founder of has built India's leading AI-powered recruitment platform for the education sector — entirely bootstrapped, with no external funding. With 1 million+ users, 5,500+ clients, and breakthrough features like Auto-Apply and Auto-Hire, he's now scaling beyond education to transform hiring across industries through intelligent automation, speed, and futuristic technology. Dr. Chakshu Bansal, Founder & CEO, Arunalaya Physiotherapy and Rehab Center Dr. Chakshu Bansal, founder of Arunalaya – Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Delhi, is a symbol of healing, dedication, and excellence. A Ph.D. holder with three world records and author of renowned medical books, she has successfully treated over 200,000 patients. Known for her compassionate approach and innovative techniques, Dr. Bansal has created a holistic space where science meets care, inspiring young professionals to lead with both skill and empathy. Dr. Shikha Baghi, Founder & CEO, Timeless Aesthetics Dr. Shikha Baghi, BDS, MDS, Founder & CEO of Timeless Aesthetics, is redefining India's beauty and wellness space. The first Indian AAM Certified Diamond Trainer in PMU, she's a cancer warrior, proud mother, and changemaker offering free treatments to acid attack survivors through Timeless Promise, transforming lives with purpose. Sareena Gupta, Luxury Food Blogger & Digital Content Creator Sareena Gupta is a tastemaker and influencer in the world of luxury food and lifestyle. From Michelin-starred restaurants to global culinary trends, she curates experiences that celebrate sophistication and flavour. Based in the Delhi NCR region, she seamlessly blends elegance with authenticity, interviewing Michelin-starred chefs and offering her audience a refined perspective on gourmet dining, premium travel, and high-end living. Sujata Lingala, HR Professional, Model & Mrs. Telangana 2024 Sujata Lingala, a dynamic woman redefining grace, strength, and success, is a Hyderabad-based corporate HR professional and model who was crowned Mrs. Telangana 2024. A devoted mother, wife, and daughter-in-law with dual Master's degrees, she balances work and family with elegance. Passionate about interior design, social causes, and fitness, she inspires women to pursue their dreams and embrace a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Indian Express
24-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Kerala Royal Enfield bikers go on a 'Bullets against Bullet' ride retracing Adi Shankaracharya's trail from Kalady to Kashmir
Over 1,200 years ago, a young monk from Kerala travelled from Kalady to Kashmir, propagating the oneness of existence, or what he termed Advaita. That ancient route traversed by Adi Shankaracharya was retraced recently by a team of 52 bikers who rode from Kalady to the Line of Control (LoC) as a homage to the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack and a message against terrorism. The bikers, who joined forces from across Kerala, rode under the motto 'Bullets against Bullet'. For the bullet that terrorists showered on tourists in Pahalgam, here were the bikers' own Royal Enfield Bullets. The two-week ride was flagged off on June 1 by Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who also heads the state's anti-terrorism squad. 'The idea came up after my friend R Ramanand, director of the Abhinava Gupta Institute of Advanced Studies, Vagamon, posted on Facebook about how the Pahalgam attack would soon be forgotten after the initial hubbub. The post got a lot of support, which encouraged him to take the idea forward and form the 'Bullets against Bullet' team,' says Mani Karthik, a startup consultant, who was coordinated the core group and the planning of the journey. 'Some of us were researching the links between Kashmir and Kerala's tantric traditions. Also, Shankaracharya's influence in Kashmir is still revered. That's how we decided to follow Shankara's footsteps and named our mission 'Shankara to Sharda'. The Sharda here refers to the ancient Sharda Peeth, now in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where Shankaracharya had travelled to in 7th century AD. We have restricted access to that place, and hence, our destination was the Yatri Sharda Peeth very close to the LoC, near the Kishanganga river.' Planning the journey wasn't without challenges. 'Our discussion group was infiltrated by stray social media users from as far as Pakistan, and agenda-driven individuals who tried to mar healthy conversations,' says Mani, who left a career in the US to settle in Kochi and guide NRIs keen on migrating and investing back home. 'We had to weed them out and plan carefully. Only our core group knew the route map. Everyone who wished to join was verified. We finalised 52 riders, including 10 women and a trans individual. Among us were techies, a temple priest, a farmer, and even a 76-year-old.' The 'biker priest' in the team was Praveen P M from Thiruvananthapuram, who rode with his wife Renjini and their five-year-old son Badrinath as pillion. 'We have done several such bike jaunts,' says Renjini. 'But this is the longest we have done.' The team faced many hurdles along the way. 'The summer blaze in some places was horrifying. When it got too sultry and humid, Badrinath, who rode on the bike with us otherwise, would switch to one of the two cars that accompanied the team as support vehicle. At times, there were delays when a bike broke down or a rider fell ill,' she recalls. Mani adds, 'On the leg from Nagpur to Guna through a forest stretch, we rode long into the night and couldn't find food. But through it all, we felt a higher power guiding us. Often, someone would appear just when we needed help. Other Royal Enfield bikers, whom we networked with, assisted us in finding service stations throughout the journey. People who came to know of our mission welcomed us warmly. In Hyderabad, we were treated to a five-star lunch. Our accommodation was mostly in auditoriums, ashrams, or sometimes open grounds.'
India Gazette
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"They have never really been a democracy, Pakistan army benefits when Pakistan gets destroyed": Acharya Prashant
New Delhi [India], May 8 (ANI): With India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, author and Advaita teacher Acharya Prashant has said that there are times when the right response can be in the form of inflicting damage on someone who is not ready to understand any other language. In an interview with ANI, he also questioned Pakistan's aggressiveness towards India, saying that 'the (Pakistan) army benefits when Pakistan gets destroyed'. 'There are times when the right response can be in the form of inflicting damage on someone who is not ready to understand any other come a country on the brink of bankruptcy like Pakistan can afford to fight a war in these circumstances, such an expensive war. India is far too big to be engaged in war from the perspective of a smaller country like Pakistan. They are doing it because they are not really a democracy. They have never really been a democracy. The army benefits when Pakistan gets destroyed,' he said. He underscored that war becomes necessary when all efforts for peace have failed. 'So it is not war that is forbidden--it is bloodlust, ego, and unconsciousness that are. What is forbidden is an ego-driven response. What is forbidden is bloodlust. When you have that emotional, ego-driven frenzy riding your head, then you totally forget what you are doing--to yourself and your nation,' he said. Acharya Prashant said that war comes at an enormous financial cost, noting that a single advanced fighter jet can cost upwards of Rs 2,500 crore and a day of conventional warfare can cost Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 crore. 'And for a country like Pakistan, whose economy is nearly ten times smaller than India's, the cost will be even more staggering,' he said. He attributed this irrationality to Pakistan's military establishment. 'Pakistan is not really a democracy. It's the army that calls the shots. And the army benefits when Pakistan gets destroyed, because their very existence is based on enmity with India. That is the twisted logic they operate on.' Acharya Prashant said Pakistani army thrives on enmity with India to justify its dominance. He said India is not against people of Pakistan. 'We are up against an army that does not have Pakistan's own interests at heart. Their very identity is built around hostility towards India,' he said. He said Pakistan cannot afford a war with India. 'Global pressure will build, as conflict here affects international trade and supply stable peace will remain elusive until the ideological roots of the conflict--particularly distorted interpretations of religion--are whole conflict is rooted in a religious misinterpretation--the two-nation theory,' he said. He said when Pakistan realizes that a war with India is economically unbearable, it will be forced to scale down. 'A nation that truly knows why it exists will not be easily provoked. Pakistan, in its current form, seeks attention through aggression. That's what happens when a country lacks a constructive vision. We must resist being dragged into battles that ultimately serve to distract and divide. Respond when you must, but with 'vivek' (discernment). Fight when you have to, but never let the enemy enter your mind. That is where the real war is won or lost,' he said. He stressed the need for self-awareness--both in individuals and nations. 'Those who do not know who they are, are most prone to war. The Pakistani army, with nothing meaningful to do, needs violence to feel relevant. Before the Pahalgam attack, nobody was even talking about Pakistan. And now they have your attention,' he said. Acharya Prashant said India has ambitions that stretch far beyond the region. 'We aim to be a global hub of innovation, education, and human development. Engaging in costly wars only serves the interests of those who wish to slow us down--especially countries like China,' he said. Answering a query, he said when public debate is dominated by hawks and sensationalism, and when mature, balanced voices are drowned out, 'that is a sign we're losing our spiritual and rational grounding'. 'A democracy must think, must choose wisely. If in the public domain you are finding only hawks, if there are no level-headed voices, that's a red alert. The public is being instigated constantly. Then you should know that we're surrendering our thinking to the enemy,' he said. He warned that true enemies win 'when they occupy our minds'. 'They want to make you mad. They want you to stop thinking and start reacting.' India carried out precision strikes on early Wednesday on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupited Jammu and Kashmir in response to Pahalgam terror attack last month. (ANI)
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Oppn doing politics on Pahalgam attack shows sign of poor mentality: Aparna Yadav
Prayagraj: Vice-chairperson of Uttar Pradesh state women's commission and functionary on Friday flayed opposition for doing politics on and said it showed "sign of poor mentality". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Our country will not tolerate terrorism under any circumstances. But what can be more shameful than those doing politics even at this time? At least everyone should remain united on sensitive issues like these. This shows their sign of poor mentality," she said. Yadav was in the city to attend campaign. Yadav said that at a time when the entire country is united and the Prime Minister and Home Minister have talked about giving harsh punishment to the terrorists and their masters, the politics and thinking of the opposition is of a low level. "Through the media, the entire country came to know what happened in Pahalgam. People said that victims were killed after being asked about their religion. What can be said about the indecent comments that were made after this? After this incident, the duplicity of such people has been exposed," she said. Speaking on simultaneous polls, Yadav said "If our nation is one, then election should also be one." "Under Advaita philosophy, Adi Shankaracharya gave the philosophy of one nation, one thinking. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the same principle," she said adding that youngsters must spread awareness about One Nation One Election through social media and digital platforms, seminars and symposiums. She said simultaneous polls would also lead to financial savings across the country and ensure continuity in governance and administrative convenience. The public's attention will be on development issues, and there will be political stability, Yadav said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On caste census, she said "Prime Minister has always talked about the issue with seriousness and sensitivity. It is Congress which diverts attention from the issues of the country by talking about this and that. If Congress is not in power today, then the reason for that is Congress itself." On Samajwadi Party's Ambedkar hoarding row, Aparna said "When the subject is Baba Saheb, it is not appropriate to associate his face with any political person. The person who did such a misdeed should apologise."
