New Delhi: Steve Jobs handwritten letter about wanting to attend the Kumbh Mela in India is trending across all social media platforms. The letter which was written in late 1974, was recently auctioned for ₹4.32 crore (about $500,312), giving us a rare glimpse into the spiritual side of the Apple co-founder and his early fascination with Indian culture and his love for Spirituality.
The letter, written to his boyhood friend named Tim Brown was written when Jobs was 18 years, a day before his birthday. In it, he revealed his desire to attend the Kumbh Mela in India starting in April this year. I will be leaving sometime in March, but I’m not quite sure as yet.” These words were emotional say; he said that he had cried many times indicating how much this journey meant to him. To close, Jobs used the word Shanti (which is the sanskrit word for ‘peace’ thankyou indicating his increasing spirituality.
Specific philosophies like Zen Buddhism and Hinduism interested Jobs in his early years and which later influenced his outlooks in life besides determining some of the lifestyles decisions that he was to take”. His intention of going for Kumbh Mela, one of the biggest religious trawls in the world, was also in a bid to discover the truth or gain more insight.
Perhaps revealingly, Steve’s widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, is currently in India attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. In some ways, she’s living out his fantasy. During her visit she has been more engrossed in Indian culture and tradition. She was even baptized with the name of “Kamala” by her spiritual master Swamiji Kailashanand Giri. Laurene has been meditating, doing Kriya Yoga and Pranayama and experiencing the pulsating spirituality of the Kumbh.
Although she had some health problem, like allergies during her stay, Laurene wants to participate in the rituals. It pays homage to Steve Jobs’ vision and displays her love for India and its spirituality at that.
The Kumbh Mela festival itself is something fascinating and millions of people are changing their state through ritual cleansing in holy rivers.
