KKN Gurugram Desk | In an intriguing turn of events, two men who started their journeys from the field of engineering have diverged in their pursuits, with one receiving India’s prestigious Padma Shri award and the other becoming the subject of social media ridicule. These two individuals — Jonas Masetti and Abhay Singh — have taken paths that starkly contrast with one another, despite both having an engineering background. While Jonas Masetti, a Brazilian engineer, embraced Indian Vedic traditions and has been honored with the Padma Shri, Abhay Singh, an IIT Kharagpur graduate, has garnered attention on social media as the ‘IIT Baba’ — a figure who has become the butt of jokes.

This article explores the stories of these two men, their journeys, and how their choices have led them to different outcomes. While Jonas has been lauded globally for his contributions to spreading Indian culture, Abhay Singh’s journey, influenced by pop culture, has instead become a subject of ridicule despite his academic achievements.

Jonas Masetti: The Journey from Engineering to Vedanta Acharya

Jonas Masetti, a Brazilian from Rio de Janeiro, began his journey in the field of mechanical engineering at the Military Institute of Engineering (IME) in Brazil. After serving in the Brazilian army for five years, he ventured into the world of stock market consulting, working as a strategic consultant. Despite these successes, Jonas experienced an inner void that he could not fill with material accomplishments. This led him to explore spirituality, yoga, and Vedanta.

In 2003, Jonas’s spiritual journey took a serious turn when he moved to India. He trained under Gloria Ariera and later became a disciple of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, a renowned Vedantic teacher. His deep connection with Indian spiritual practices led him to establish the Vishva Vidya Gurukulam in Petropolis, Brazil, in 2014, where he started teaching Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Sanskrit, and Vedic traditions.

Jonas’s mission expanded rapidly, and today, he has reached over 150,000 students worldwide. His efforts to promote Vedanta and Indian culture have earned him recognition, and in 2025, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Jonas for being a living example of India’s cultural strength during his Mann Ki Baat address. Jonas Masetti’s story highlights the power of dedication to one’s beliefs and the global recognition that comes from genuine engagement with Indian philosophy.

Abhay Singh: From IIT to Social Media Fame as ‘IIT Baba’

In stark contrast, Abhay Singh, an engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur, chose a different route after completing his education. Known as ‘IIT Baba’ on social media, Abhay Singh has embraced spirituality in a more unconventional way. While his journey began at one of India’s most prestigious technical institutions, his path led him to adopt the persona of a spiritual guru, donning saffron robes and sharing his teachings through social media.

Abhay’s content, which includes short videos and photos, gained significant attention among younger audiences. His style, however, quickly became the subject of memes, with his “IIT Baba” persona seen as more of a pop culture figure rather than a serious spiritual teacher. His approach to spirituality, which often blended elements of modern trends and casual presentation, faced criticism for lacking the depth and traditional rigor seen in figures like Jonas Masetti.

The contrast between Abhay Singh’s lighthearted and casual approach to spirituality and Jonas Masetti’s methodical and disciplined journey through Vedanta is stark. While Abhay’s spiritual persona continues to trend on social media, it also exposes him to mockery, overshadowing any serious teachings he may intend to convey.

The Divergence in Approach: Depth vs. Popularity

Jonas Masetti’s approach to spirituality has been deeply rooted in the traditional guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship, and his teachings follow the true spirit of Vedantic philosophy. His commitment to living a simple, humble life, exemplified by his use of rudraksha beads, cotton clothes, and barefoot walking, speaks volumes about his authenticity. Jonas teaches that Vedanta is not just a religion but an art of living. His message resonates with many who seek to reconnect with their roots and understand the depth of India’s spiritual heritage.

On the other hand, Abhay Singh’s brand of spirituality is often seen as more performative. His flashy social media presence and reliance on contemporary trends, such as creating reels and viral content, have led to criticisms that his teachings are more focused on gaining followers than imparting true spiritual wisdom. Despite his academic background from IIT Kharagpur, his presentation style and the name “IIT Baba” have led to people dismissing him as a figure who, rather than offering serious spiritual guidance, is instead caught up in the entertainment and meme culture.

Cultural Reflection: How Society Views and Judges Spiritual Figures

The contrasting paths of Jonas Masetti and Abhay Singh reflect the broader cultural shifts within society, particularly regarding how spirituality is perceived. In Jonas’s case, his serious, structured, and disciplined journey through Vedanta has earned him respect and recognition, including the Padma Shri. He stands as a beacon for those who wish to embrace Indian culture and philosophy earnestly.

In contrast, Abhay Singh, despite his educational credentials, has become a subject of ridicule. This disparity raises questions about how society judges spiritual figures. Is the appeal of a spiritual teacher more about authenticity and depth, or can the superficiality of social media culture dilute the impact of true teachings? Abhay Singh’s popularity on social media, while giving him some fame, has resulted in a perception of him being less serious, and his teachings are often overshadowed by the memes and viral trends associated with his persona.

Jonas Masetti’s Global Reach and His Contributions to Vedanta

Jonas Masetti’s journey from an engineering student in Brazil to a renowned Vedantic teacher exemplifies the power of authentic spiritual pursuit. With his teachings reaching over 150,000 students globally, his success stands as a testament to the growing interest in India’s spiritual traditions. Jonas’s focus on Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, and Sanskrit has created a bridge between India and the world, promoting the core values of Indian philosophy. His work has been instrumental in helping people from different parts of the world understand the depth of Indian spirituality and its practical applications in modern life.

Abhay Singh: The Impact of Meme Culture on Spirituality

Abhay Singh, on the other hand, reflects the growing influence of meme culture and pop culture on modern spirituality. While his teachings may have had potential, the way he chose to present himself has limited his impact to a viral, often shallow spectacle. In an era where social media plays a critical role in shaping public perception, Abhay’s spiritual persona has become more of an internet meme than a respected figure in the spiritual community.

The stories of Jonas Masetti and Abhay Singh shed light on the varying paths individuals take in their spiritual journeys and the way they are perceived by society. While Jonas Masetti’s deep commitment to Vedantic traditions has earned him respect and global recognition, Abhay Singh’s approach, although popular among younger audiences, has been reduced to viral content and memes. This juxtaposition underscores the importance of authenticity and depth in spiritual leadership and the significant role social media plays in shaping modern perceptions of spirituality.

The paths of these two individuals highlight the importance of staying true to one’s beliefs, teachings, and cultural roots, and they offer valuable lessons on how spirituality is communicated and received in today’s world. In a world dominated by online trends, the true essence of spirituality should not be lost in the noise, and figures like Jonas Masetti serve as reminders of the depth and power of authentic spiritual pursuit.