Computer Baba sought permission from Mela authorities to take part in Shahi Snan on a helicopter

ALLAHABAD: Austerity has always been the essence and soul of sainthood in India, but a seer camping at Kumbh Mela site added an element of flamboyance to his personality when he sought the aerial route via helicopter for taking part in the 'shahi snan' on Mauni Amavasya (February 10) and Basant Panchami (February 15).
Representing the Digambar Akhara, Ahilya Nagar, Indore, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Namdev Tyagi, better known as "Computer Baba", has sought permission from Mela authorities to take part in Shahi Snan on a helicopter and has volunteered to construct two helipads at Sangam nose and Mukti Marg at his own expense for take off and landing. Sharing the details with media, the Swami said, "My mental faculties function faster than a computer, which is the reason why my disciples fondly call me 'Computer Baba'. Gizmos like computers, laptops and tablet PCs are my favourite items of daily use and helicopter is my ideal and regular means of transportation, which I want to use during the Shahi Snan also. After all people travel in cars, bus and trains. Likewise, I prefer to hop via helicopter."
He said that opulence and grandeur are the hallmark of processions of saints embarking on the Shahi Snan (royal bath), many of whom are seated on silver chariots and flower bedecked vehicles. If they can delve into luxuries, then why can't I travel on the helicopter provided by my disciples, he said.The Swami said that last month he had travelled to 16 districts in Madhya Pradesh on helicopter to distribute invitation cards for 100 Kundiya Mahayagya, slated to be held at Sagar in April this year. It was also during that time that flowers sprinkled via helicopter during the Bhumi pujan of the upcoming Mahayagya had made national headlines, said a close aide.

The seer added that in this connection he has written a letter to the Mela Adhikari, seeking his permission to construct two temporary helipads at Sangam nose and Mukti Marg, where he is camping in order to enable his helicopter to land at the two spots during Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami.

When asked that making such heavy expenditure would definitely raise eyebrows and invite criticism from the Sant Samaj (saint community), the Baba said, "When netas can seek votes and collect funds travelling on helicopter than why can't a saint take recourse to such facilities for taking a holy bath. Moreover, being a Mahamandaleshwar and representative of Digambar Akhara, I am entitled to become a part and parcel of the Shahi Snan." On being asked as to how he manages to arrange the flying machine for such prolonged use, the Swami said. "My disciples including some prominent politicians have provided me the same, which I use at will depending on the needs of time."A a civil engineering expert and senior faculty member at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology ( MNNIT) Prof RK Srivastava said, "There are certain technical specifications for constructing a helipad and lot depends on the spot including the quality of soil where it is proposed to be constructed. Moreover security considerations have also to be kept in mind to ensure hassle free take off and landing. As far as cost is concerned, it comes to around Rs 5 lakh per helipad, which means that an expense of Rs 10 lakh would be incurred in constructing the temporary helipads," he said.