For years, the debate around spirituality and academics has often been framed as a trade-off, where choosing one meant sacrificing time and focus for the other.But, is it even true, and does one really have to choose between one, or is it just a perspective of looking at thingsNow, this idea is being questioned, as tending to spirituality and following its practices like meditation, chanting, or mindfulness actually sharpens the ability to concentrate rather than distract from it.One such story shunning the stereotypes is of a scholar from IIT Kharagpur, one of the most premier institutes of the country, who generously follows this sacred path and has also secured a prestigious medal in his college.
Meet Chirag Maru , aka IIT wale prabhu, who balances 16 malas with academics
A young IIT Kharagpur graduate, who is also an Instagram content creator going by the name @IIT wale prabhu, has been gaining attention on social media for proving that spiritual devotion and academic excellence can coexist rather than compete with each other. The individual behind the handle is Chirag Maru, a devotee following the spiritual path of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna consciousness (ISKCON).Maru recently shared a video on his account, where he explains that he was questioned about his spiritual journey. The text overlay of the video read, “Bhakti karega toh padh nahi paega”.In the video, he is seen receiving a silver medal for his academic excellence at his convocation and explains, “Aaj mere gale mein bead bag hai or ye mera medal”. He continues, “Aaplog maala bhi kar saktein hain or padhai bhi kar saktein hain, sab kuch sath mein kar chal saktein hain. Hare Krishna!”As per IIT Kharagpur’s official page on prizes, medals, and awards, such Institute Medals are awarded based on outstanding academic performance among graduating students.
Manu is a 16 mala practitioner
Manu’s story is not just about academic accolade itself, but how he managed to achieve them. According to his Instagram reels, Maru maintained a disciplined daily spiritual routine throughout his time in college, which included chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra every day, also known as doing the “16 mala.” Despite the time and consistency this practice demands, he continued it without interruption during his academic years.
It is not spiritual devotion but poor time management that hinders people
How does spirituality help in improving the mind?
Spiritual practices like meditation, mindfulness, breathing, and chanting tend to make the mind calm. And a calmer mind has the ability to retain information better, stay consistent with routines, and bounce back faster from setbacks like exam stress or burnout.Instead of competing for the same hours in a day, spiritual practices and study schedules can actually complement each other, creating a rhythm where one strengthens the other.
