Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs, is in India attending the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, where she has received the spiritual name “Kamala.” Meanwhile, a handwritten letter from the late Apple co-founder has garnered significant attention. The letter, dated 1974, details Jobs’ plans to visit India for the Kumbh Mela and was recently auctioned for $500,312 (Rs 4.32 crore) by Bonhams.
Written just a day before his 19th birthday, the letter was addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown, revealing a rare glimpse into Jobs’ spiritual quest. Jobs reflects on Zen Buddhism and his aspirations to explore India’s spirituality. He responds to Brown’s letter with emotion, admitting he had “cried many times” and expressing his wish to attend the Kumbh Mela, stating, “I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela, which starts in April. I will be leaving sometime in March, not really certain yet.” His signature, “Shanti, Steve Jobs,” emphasizes the deep influence of Hindu philosophy on him.
Jobs initially planned to visit the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in Uttarakhand. However, upon arriving in Nainital, he learned that the guru had passed away the previous year. Despite this, Jobs stayed at the Kainchi Dham ashram, drawing comfort from the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. He spent seven transformative months in India, fully immersing himself in its culture and spirituality.
Upon returning to the U.S., Jobs’ transformation was striking. His appearance had changed dramatically, as he described: “My head had been shaved, I was wearing Indian cotton robes, and my skin had turned a deep, chocolate brown-red from the sun.” His adoption of the orange robes of a Sadhu reflected the profound spiritual impact of his journey.
Today, Laurene Powell Jobs has honored Steve’s spiritual inclinations by participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela. Though she developed allergies on her second day, she remains committed to participating in the sacred Ganga River bathing ritual. Receiving the spiritual name “Kamala” from her guru, Swami Kailashanand Giri, she arrived in Prayagraj with a 40-member team and has been deeply engaged in spiritual practices such as meditation, Kriya Yoga, and Pranayama. Her visit highlights her profound respect for Indian traditions and personal spiritual exploration.
