A handwritten letter by the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs expressing his desire to visit India and attend the Kumbh Mela has been auctioned for a staggering sum of $500,312.50 (Rs. 4.32 crore). ). Jobs’ wife, Laurene Powell, is currently in India attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.
The letter, written on February 23, 1974, when Jobs turned 19, was addressed to his childhood friend, Tim Brown. In it, Jobs reflects on Zen Buddhism and his aspiration to attend the Kumbh Mela, an important hindu pilgrimage and party. Jobs wrote: “I want to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will leave in March, although I am not sure yet.”
The letter offers a rare glimpse into Jobs’ spiritual side, heavily influenced by Hinduism, as he signs off with “Shanti, Steve Jobs.” He also mentions having “cried many times.”
According to the letter, Jobs planned to visit the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand. However, on reaching Nainital, he learned that Neem Karoli Baba had passed away the previous year. Despite this, Jobs remained at the Kainchi Dham ashram and found solace in Baba’s teachings.
During his seven-month stay in India, Jobs immersed himself in Indian culture. Upon returning home, his parents barely recognized him due to his transformed appearance. Jobs said, “My head had been shaved, I was wearing Indian cotton robes, and my skin had turned a deep reddish chocolate brown from the sun.” He was also seen wearing the orange robe of a Sadhu.
The letter, written exactly 51 years ago, was auctioned by Bonhams, a private international auction house, for $500,312.50 (INR 4.32 crore), as listed on its website.
Wife fulfills Steve’s wish
Steve Jobs passed away on October 5, 2011 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. Although Jobs never attended the Kumbh Mela, his wife Laurene Powell Jobs He fulfilled his long-standing wish by attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, India. Laurene, who was given the Hindu name “Kamala” by her guru Swami Kailashanand Giri, arrived with a 40-member team and has been engaging in spiritual practices including meditation, Kriya Yoga and Pranayama.
He Mahakumbh MelaHeld every 12 years, it attracts millions of devotees across the world and celebrates India’s rich spiritual heritage.