“Chai Wale Baba,” a tea seller turned ascetic from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, has been empowering civil service aspirants with free coaching for over four decades. Known as Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari, he has embraced a life of silence and abstinence, surviving solely on ten cups of tea daily while guiding students through WhatsApp.
Despite his vow to remain silent and abstain from food, Baba has made it his mission to help students achieve their dreams of becoming civil servants. Speaking to ANI, Rajesh Singh, a civil service aspirant, shared his experience: “I have been associated with Maharaj Ji for almost four to five years. He guides us whenever we need his assistance.”
Singh further explained that while Baba remains silent, he communicates effectively through written messages and gestures. “Guruji responds to our queries via WhatsApp. He believes silence helps accumulate energy, which he uses for the welfare of the world. His dedication inspires us,” Singh added.
Baba provides study materials and answers students’ questions through WhatsApp, writing that his ultimate goal is to educate students and help them serve society as officers.
The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela has also attracted global attention, with devotees like Pascal, a French follower of Hinduism and a devotee of Lord Shiva, visiting Prayagraj. Pascal expressed her happiness at being part of the Mahakumbh, describing it as a holy event that purifies the soul.
“I am very happy to be here. I know the story of the Kumbh Mela. This is a sacred place, and I have had the opportunity to meet yogis, sadhus, and other Hindu devotees. I deeply admire Hinduism and believe in Lord Shiva,” Pascal told ANI.
Held every 12 years, the Mahakumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Over 45 crore devotees are expected to attend this year’s event, which concludes on February 26. The highlight of the festival is the holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, believed to absolve sins and grant liberation (moksha).
Key bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). As devotees from around the world converge at Prayagraj, the Mahakumbh continues to embody the spiritual essence of India.