From Deals to Despair: Why Achieving Your Dreams Can Feel Like a Downer!

Achieving everything you ever wanted might sound like the ultimate dream, but for many, it can lead to an unexpected emotional crash. This phenomenon, often called "post-deal depression," has been experienced by numerous founders who sold their companies and found themselves grappling with a void. While this is a common tale in the entrepreneurial world, the story of Abhey Singh, famously known as IITian Baba, adds a fascinating twist to this narrative. His journey from an aerospace engineer to a spiritual ascetic at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

The Curious Case of Post-Deal Depression

For entrepreneurs, selling a company is often the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Yet, many founders find themselves feeling lost after achieving their financial goals. The adrenaline rush of building something from scratch is gone, leaving behind a sense of purposelessness. Founders like Markus Persson (creator of Minecraft) and others have spoken openly about feeling isolated and unfulfilled after their big exits. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always equate to happiness. But what happens when someone decides to skip the "deal" altogether and walk away from a lucrative career for something entirely different? Enter Abhey Singh.

Abhey Singh: From Aerospace Engineer to IITian Baba

Abhey Singh’s story has captivated millions during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. Born in Haryana’s Jhajjar district, Singh was an academic prodigy who cracked the prestigious IIT entrance exam and graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in aerospace engineering (2008–2012 batch). His career trajectory seemed destined for greatness—he earned approximately ?36 lakh per annum working in Canada as an aerospace engineer. However, despite his professional success and financial security, Singh struggled with depression and a sense of emptiness. In interviews, he has spoken about how material wealth failed to bring him peace or fulfillment. This internal conflict led him on a journey of self-discovery, where he began exploring spirituality and philosophy. He read works by Socrates and Plato, studied Sanskrit, and delved into concepts like post-modernism to understand the mind and mental health better.Eventually, Singh renounced his high-paying job and corporate life to embrace simplicity and spirituality. He joined the Shri Panchdashnam Juna Akhara, one of India’s oldest monastic orders, becoming "IITian Baba." His presence at the Kumbh Mela has sparked widespread interest, with people marveling at how an IIT graduate with such a promising career chose this unconventional path.

Lessons from IITian Baba

Abhey Singh’s journey offers profound lessons about redefining success:

1. Success Isn’t Always About Money: Despite earning ?3 lakh per month in Canada, Singh found himself questioning the purpose of his life. His story highlights that financial success alone cannot guarantee happiness or fulfillment.
2. The Power of Self-Reflection: Singh’s decision to leave his career wasn’t impulsive—it was the result of deep introspection. He sought answers to life’s bigger questions and found solace in spirituality.
3. Mental Health Matters: Singh’s struggles remind us that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their achievements or status.
4. Courage to Redefine Life: Walking away from societal expectations and choosing an unconventional path requires immense courage. Singh’s transformation into IITian Baba shows that it’s never too late to pursue a life aligned with your values.

Humor in Simplicity

While Abhey Singh’s story is deeply inspiring, it also lends itself to some lighthearted observations. Imagine him at the Kumbh Mela saying: “I left ?36 lakh per annum for this peace—but now I’m rich in wisdom! And guess what? Wisdom doesn’t charge GST!” Or sharing his thoughts on corporate life: “In Canada, I was designing planes; now I’m flying high on inner peace.” His quirky transformation has made him a relatable figure for young professionals who feel trapped in their high-pressure jobs. Through his journey, he reminds us that sometimes walking away from everything you thought you wanted is the first step toward finding what you truly need.

Lastly...

Abhey Singh’s transition from aerospace engineer to spiritual ascetic challenges conventional ideas of success and happiness. As IITian Baba at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, he has become a symbol of self-discovery and resilience, inspiring countless individuals to rethink their own lives. In a world obsessed with material pursuits, his story stands as a testament to the enduring value of simplicity, mindfulness, and inner peace. Whether you’re an entrepreneur facing post-deal blues or someone questioning your current path, Abhey Singh’s journey offers hope—and maybe even a chuckle or two along the way. After all, who says wisdom can’t be quirky?