By P Mohan Chandran
"What is the purpose of life?" "Is there more to existence than material success?"
These are questions that have haunted humanity for eons. But when they emanate from the corridors of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), they take on a different hue. The IITs, often considered the epitome of academic excellence and a gateway to lucrative careers, have also been the starting point for a few individuals on a quest for spiritual enlightenment.
The Unconventional Pathfinders
Gauranga Das, an IIT Bombay alumnus, completed his BTech in Metallurgical Engineering from 1989 to 1993. Soon after, he joined ISKCON as a monk and is now the Divisional Director of ISKCON's Govardhan Ecovillage in Mumbai.
Swami Mukundananda, another luminary, graduated from IIT Delhi and went on to receive a postgraduate degree from IIM Calcutta. Today, he is a spiritual leader, best-selling author, Vedic scholar, and a renowned authority on mind management.
Rasanath Das, an alumnus of both IIT and Cornell University, chose a similar path. After earning his undergraduate degree from IIT and a postgraduate degree at Cornell, he too embraced monastic life.
Sanket Parekh, an IIT Bombay graduate in chemical engineering, had plans of pursuing a postgraduate course in the U.S. Instead, he renounced it all to become a Jain monk.
Aviral Jain, who studied computer engineering at IIT BHU, transitioned from being a computer engineer to a monk.
The Dichotomy of Choice
The dichotomy here is as intriguing as it is enlightening. These individuals, armed with degrees that could have easily led them to high-paying jobs and a life of material comfort, chose a path less traveled. They sought something that equations and algorithms couldn't provide—spiritual solace and a deeper understanding of existence.
The Societal Paradox
In a society that often measures success by material wealth, these IIT graduates turned spiritual leaders challenge the conventional metrics of achievement. They pose an existential question: "Is material success the ultimate goal, or is there a higher purpose that transcends worldly gains?"
The Spiritual Algorithm
What drives these intellectual powerhouses to forsake worldly ambitions for spiritual pursuits? Is it a quest for existential equilibrium, a yearning for metaphysical clarity, or a combination of both? Their journeys are not just individual choices but a manifestation of a larger cosmic algorithm that seeks to balance material and spiritual realms.
The Future Trajectory
As the world grapples with existential crises, from climate change to social inequality, the role of spiritual leaders with a strong intellectual background cannot be underestimated. They bring a unique blend of analytical rigor and spiritual wisdom, capable of addressing complex problems from a holistic perspective.
"Is the path to enlightenment incompatible with academic excellence?" "Can spiritual and material pursuits coexist in harmony?"
As we ponder these questions, let us celebrate the audacity of these IIT graduates who dared to defy societal norms, choosing spiritual enlightenment over material success. Their journeys serve as a beacon, illuminating the myriad paths that lie open to us, if only we dare to look beyond the obvious.
Do you agree that there is more to the 'purpose of life' than mere 'material success'?
A. Yes, spiritual enlightenment beats material success.
B. No, material success is the only purpose of life.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
21092023
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