From IIT to the Divine: 9 IITians Who Chose Spirituality Over High-Paying Jobs

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) have produced some of the brightest minds in the country, many of whom have gone on to excel in the corporate world. But in a fascinating twist, several IIT graduates have chosen to walk away from lucrative careers to follow a higher calling—spirituality. These individuals have traded their engineering degrees for robes and meditation cushions, embracing monastic life and seeking a deeper understanding of existence. Here are nine IITians who gave up the fast-paced corporate world to follow their spiritual journeys.

Masani Gorakh, born Abhay Singh, graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Like many of his peers, he had the potential to lead a successful career in science and technology. But despite his academic achievements and promising career prospects, Abhay felt a deeper calling that couldn’t be ignored. He explored various fields, including design, photography, and even coaching students in physics. However, it was spirituality that resonated with him the most.

Abhay's quest for spiritual meaning led him to adopt the monastic name Masani Gorakh, dedicating his life to Lord Shiva. He renounced his professional life to embrace asceticism and meditation. His journey garnered significant attention when he appeared at the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025, where his presence inspired many seekers. Masani Gorakh’s story proves that the path of self-discovery and spirituality is as valuable, if not more, than any corporate title.

Aviral Jain, a Computer Science graduate from IIT BHU, had a successful career at Walmart, earning a prestigious position with a high-paying salary. Yet, in 2019, Aviral felt a strong spiritual calling and made the life-changing decision to renounce his corporate career and become a Jain monk. Under the guidance of Vishuddha Sagarji Maharaj, Aviral underwent intense meditation and penance, eventually being initiated 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 and the quest for inner peace.


Sanket Parekh, an IIT Bombay graduate in Chemical Engineering, worked in the United States, enjoying a successful corporate career. However, despite his atheist upbringing, Sanket experienced a profound shift in his outlook on life. After much introspection, he decided to embrace spirituality, leaving behind his comfortable life to become a Jain monk. Sanket’s journey led him to Acharya Yug Bhushan Suri, under whose guidance he learned the principles of Jain monastic life. His story is a powerful reminder of how spirituality can transcend cultural and familial expectations, offering a new way of seeing the world.


Prashant Tripathi, better known as Acharya Prashant, graduated from IIT Delhi and later pursued an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. After briefly working in civil services, Acharya Prashant felt an overwhelming desire to explore spirituality. He founded Advait Life Education, a platform dedicated to fostering self-awareness and intelligent spirituality. Through his teachings and books, he bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges, guiding people toward self-discovery and enlightenment.


Mahan Maharaj, also known as Swami Vidyanathananda, earned his degree from IIT Kanpur before pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2008, he chose the monastic life, joining the Ramakrishna Order. Today, Mahan Maharaj serves as a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, demonstrating how intellectual rigor and spiritual commitment can coexist harmoniously. His journey underscores the idea that the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth need not be mutually exclusive.


Gauranga Das, an IIT Bombay graduate in Chemical Engineering, chose to follow the spiritual path and became a monk associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As a motivational speaker, Gauranga Das draws upon his scientific background to inspire personal development, spiritual growth, and sustainability initiatives. He integrates his knowledge of science with the principles of Krishna Consciousness, offering practical solutions to life’s challenges through spiritual wisdom.


Swami Mukundananda, an IIT Delhi graduate in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from IIM Calcutta, initially thrived in the corporate world. However, he felt an inner urge to seek a deeper truth, which led him to renounce his professional life and embrace spirituality. Swami Mukundananda founded the Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog (JKYog) organization, focusing on yoga, meditation, and holistic living. His teachings aim to harmonize the mind, body, and soul, showing people how to achieve a balanced life.


Khurshed Batliwala, known affectionately as Bawa, completed his Master’s in Mathematics from IIT Bombay before diverting his focus toward personal growth and spirituality. He became a senior faculty member of the Art of Living Foundation, where he mentors individuals on youth empowerment, stress management, and leadership development. His work emphasizes mental well-being and offers practical tools to help people live stress-free lives while embracing their true potential.


Rasanath Das, a Computer Science graduate from IIT Delhi, 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. His work focuses on helping people align their professional lives with their inner values, showing that success can be more fulfilling when it is connected with one's spiritual purpose.

The stories of these nine IITians serve as a reminder that spiritual fulfillment can be far more rewarding than corporate success. These individuals have taken the courageous step to leave behind high-paying jobs and prestigious degrees to pursue a life of self-discovery and inner peace. Their transformations highlight that while education and professional achievements are important, true fulfillment lies in following one’s calling and embracing the deeper, more profound aspects of life.

These inspiring journeys not only encourage us to rethink our own goals and values but also serve as an invitation to explore the rich spiritual traditions that have been passed down through generations.