A tea seller turned ascetic, known as “Chai Wale Baba,” has been coaching civil service hopefuls for free for 40 years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Dinesh Swaroop Brahmachari remains silent and eats no food, subsisting on ten cups of tea daily. He communicates with students through WhatsApp.

“I have been associated with Maharaj Ji for almost four to five years now. We are his disciples. From time to time, he guides us whenever we need his assistance,” said Rajesh Singh, a student. Singh explained how the tea seller communicates: “Language requires a medium, which can be written or oral, and no one calls it non-verbal. Guruji is silent, but we understand through his gestures and WhatsApp messages. Regarding our queries, we can write them to him, and he responds in writing. We don't believe that the written medium is the best, but it serves its purpose.”

The tea seller provides study materials and answers student questions via WhatsApp. “Baba offers free coaching for civil service aspirants and provides study notes to students via WhatsApp. He also addresses their questions through the messaging platform. When asked, Baba writes that his goal is to educate students and help them become officers. On the subject of his silence, he explains that it helps accumulate energy, which he uses for the welfare of the world,” Singh added.

Separately, a French woman named Pascal arrived in Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. “I am very happy to be here. I know the story of the Kumbh Mela... This is a holy place to purify the soul. I also get to meet so many yogis, Sadhus and Hindu people. I am fond of Hinduism and believe in Shiva...,” Pascal shared. The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees. The event concludes on February 26. Key bathing rituals are scheduled for January 14, January 29, and February 3.