Famous saint of the country and Mahamandaleshwar ‘Pilot Baba’ of Old Akhara has passed away at the age of 86 after prolonged illness. Baba, who was always in controversy, will be laid to rest in Haridwar. Due to his demise, a feeling of mourning has spread in all his ashrams in the country and abroad. Shri Mahant Giri Maharaj, the international custodian of Old Akhara, has declared three days of mourning in all the branches, ashrams and pithas of Old Akhara and has directed to recite Shanti. Born in Rohtas district of Bihar, Pilot Baba’s original name was Kapil Singh. He studied from BHU University in Bihar. He had an aggressive nature from his childhood. So he became a pilot in the Indian Air Force. He was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander within a short period of time. During his tenure, he participated first in the Indo-China War, then twice in the Indo-Pakistan War. They played an important part in these wars. For which reason he was also honored by the Government of India. In 1971, during the India-Pakistan war, his aircraft MiG-21 suffered a technical fault, in this incident, fortunately, his life was saved. Due to this incident, he was disillusioned with life. After which in 1974 he took retirement and assumed sannyas. In 1998 he received the post of Mahamandaleshwar in the old akhada and in 2010 he was appointed Pithadhiswar at the ancient Sivagiri Ashram Neelkanth temple in Ujjain.
Prime Minister Modi was also honoring:
After retiring from the army, he also acted in successful films like ‘Ek Phool Do Mali’ in Bollywood. After adopting a spiritual life, he initiated the famous actress Manisha Koirala. Apart from this, many dignitaries of the country including Prime Minister Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were honoring Baba. Pilot Baba’s entire life was controversial. During his service in the army, he was accused of running his own will against orders. Even after becoming a sannyasi, he was accused of running over devotees with a car at the 2010 Kumbh Mela. A police complaint was also registered against him in this matter. He was accused of land grabbing in Nainital. Baba also went to jail in this matter. Not only this, Baba also had a sting operation, in which he was seen laundering black money.
