Steve Jobs’ handwritten letter from 1974, expressing his desire to visit the Kumbh Mela, was recently auctioned for a staggering Rs 4.32 crore. The letter, written on his 19th birthday and addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown, reveals Jobs’ interest in Zen Buddhism and his plans to attend the world’s largest religious congregation. His wife, Laurene Powell, fulfilled his wish by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj this year with a 40-member team.
In the letter, Jobs shared his plans to visit India and meet Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand. Although he arrived in Nainital only to find that Neem Karoli Baba had passed away the previous year, Jobs stayed at the ashram in Kainchi Dham, seeking solace in Baba’s teachings. During his seven-month stay in India, Jobs immersed himself in Indian culture, which had a profound impact on him.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years, is a significant event for Hindu devotees worldwide. Jobs’ letter provides a rare glimpse into his spiritual side and his deep connection with India. His transformative experience in India left a lasting impression on him, as evidenced by his changed appearance and outlook upon returning home.
