Steve Jobs' 1974 letter—detailing unfulfilled Kumbh Mela wish—auctioned for ₹4.3cr
What's the story
A personal letter written by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, outlining his wish to visit India for the Kumbh Mela, has been sold at an astonishing $500,312 (approx. ₹4.32 crore) at an auction.
The auction was held by Bonhams, a private international auction house. The letter provides a rare glimpse into Jobs' spiritual side and interest in Hinduism as well as India.
It was written just before his 19th birthday to his childhood friend Tim Brown.
Spiritual exploration
Jobs' spiritual journey and transformation
In the letter, Jobs wrote about how he wanted to attend the Kumbh Mela.
He had initially planned to visit Neem Karoli Baba's ashram in Uttarakhand, but learned that Baba had died a year ago.
However, Jobs spent seven months at the ashram in Kainchi Dham, soaking in Indian culture and spirituality.
When he returned to the US, his transformation was evident. He wore the attire of a Sadhu and his skin had turned a deep brown-red from sunlight exposure.
Wish fulfilled
Laurene Powell Jobs fulfills Steve's wish
Jobs died on October 5, 2011, after battling pancreatic cancer. He never got the opportunity to visit the Kumbh Mela.
But his wife Laurene Powell Jobs made his dream come true by visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, India.
Although she developed allergies on her second day there, she intends to participate in the ritual of bathing in the Ganga River.