Success has a way of seducing the world. We idolize those who rise above the odds, conquer
challenges, and claim their place in the sun. But what if that success hides an untold story of
pain, rebellion, and reinvention? What if the price of freedom and ambition comes with
consequences so profound that they challenge the very notion of success itself?
"IIT Baba or a Thug - The Story of Abhey Singh" is not just the tale of one man's rise and
fall-it is an exploration of the human condition, a dive into the chaos of ambition, and an
examination of redemption. This book chronicles the extraordinary journey of Abhey Singh, a
boy from the dusty villages of Haryana who cracked the IIT entrance exam not to chase dreams
of glory, but to escape the clutches of a family that stifled his soul.
Abhey's brilliance was undeniable, but so were his struggles. At IIT Delhi, he faced pressures
that no one could prepare him for-academic challenges, emotional isolation, and the weight of
expectations. What began as a rebellion against his family's constraints led him to the darkest
corners of his own mind. His descent into drug abuse wasn't just an escape; it was a cry for
meaning in a life that felt increasingly hollow.
And yet, this is not a story of despair. It is a story of transformation. From the depths of addiction
and failure, Abhey found the strength to rebuild himself-not as the person society expected him
to be, but as IIT Baba, a man who questioned everything and dared to live on his own terms. As
a self-styled saint, he became a polarizing figure: a beacon of hope to some, a fraud to others.
This book invites you to journey alongside Abhey Singh as he navigates the intersections of
genius and madness, ambition and failure, escape and redemption. It raises questions that are as
relevant to us as they are to him:
- Is success worth pursuing if it comes at the cost of our humanity?
- Can we truly escape the shadows of our past?
- Do second chances belong to everyone, or only to the lucky few?
I wrote this book to capture the complexity of Abhey Singh's life-not to glorify him, nor to
vilify him, but to tell his story as it is: raw, unflinching, and deeply human. Abhey's journey is a
reflection of the battles we all face, whether they are with society, our families, or ourselves.
As you turn the pages of this book, I urge you to look beyond the labels-genius, thug, saint,
failure-and see Abhey for what he truly is: a man in search of meaning in an increasingly
chaotic world.
"IIT Baba or a Thug" is not just his story; it's a mirror that reflects our own struggles, hopes,
and fears. I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me while writing it.
With curiosity and humility,
Shailesh Rathore