Researcher and Fulbright scholar Akhila Vimal has refuted recent reports suggesting that she embraced Sanyasa only after arriving at the ongoing Kumbh Mela. In a personal conversation with Timeline editor, Akhila clarified, “This is not a recent development; I embraced Sanyasa long ago. The news is portraying that I became a sanyasini only after arriving at the Kumbh Mela. I am shocked by all this news.”
Akhila, the sister of acclaimed South Indian actress Nikhila Vimal, has been a subject of widespread discussion on Malayalam social media, particularly due to the political affiliations of the two siblings. While Nikhila is a staunch supporter of Left politics in Kerala, Akhila has now chosen the path of renunciation, sparking speculation and debate.
Author and screenwriter R Ramanand, who studied with Akhila at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, weighed in on the conversation through a detailed Facebook post. He acknowledged her long-standing dedication to Indian sciences, including Ayurveda, Tantra, and Sanskrit, alongside her early engagement with left-wing politics. Recalling their past, Ramanand shared a memory of a trip to Kashi, where they lost their purses and had to rely on friends for support.
He further highlighted her academic brilliance, noting that after completing her PhD, she received a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to study in the United States. “Akhila’s Sanyasa should have been discussed with the same regard as the renunciation of IIT graduates. Just because she is Nikhila’s sister, does that mean she cannot have an independent identity? Are we all meant to conform to the same mould within our families?” he questioned.
Ramanand also expressed his admiration for Ananda Vana Bharati Swamiji, who has now taken charge as Mahamandaleshwar. He stated that Sanyasa is a deeply personal choice and should not be judged through the lens of political affiliations. “J To my knowledge, Akhila has been on this path for the last ten years. It’s just that everyone knows about it now. Through Akhila, I also know Ananda Vana Bharati Swamiji, who has now taken charge as Mahamandaleshwar, very well. He is a personality who desires to do a lot for society. What I’m saying is that the highly respected Juna Akhara in the Hindu tradition didn’t just give Sanyasa to someone who came along yesterday. One may have political disagreements with Nikhila, but that politics shouldn’t be used to disrespect the ancient tradition. Sanyasa is personal. If you ask who is a real Sanyasi, only a Sanyasi can answer that. It is beyond all our judgments,” he wrote.
The discussion gained momentum after a post by Abhinava Balanandabhairava four days ago, which officially acknowledged Akhila’s transition. The post stated:
“The Kashmir Anandabhairava lineage extends its congratulations to Salil Chettan, who, having received Sanyasa and the title of Maha Mandaleshwar from Juna Peethadheeshwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshananda Giri Maharaj, is now known as Ananda Vanam Bharati. Also, congratulations to Akhila, my disciple in scriptural studies, who today has embraced Sanyasa and assumed the name Avantika Bharati.”
