Apple co-founder Steve Jobs‘s wife, Laurene Powell Jobs, recently attended the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a grand spiritual gathering. Although she missed the holy dip in the Ganga on the first day of the mela due to health concerns, her visit drew significant attention. After her spiritual experience at the Kumbh, Laurene made headlines by becoming part of a historic moment.
How is Laurene Powell’s flight from Prayagraj significant
A Bhutan Airways aircraft recently landed at Prayagraj airport, carrying American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs. After attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, she returned to Bhutan on the same plane. This marked Prayagraj’s first international flight in 93 years, a historic milestone for the airport.
In 1911, Henri Piquet initiated domestic commercial aviation in India, flying mail from Allahabad (now Prayagraj) to Naini. By 1931, the Allahabad aerodrome was established, becoming one of India’s first international airports, with flights to London until 1932.
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‘Steve Jobs wish’ behind wife Laurene attending Kumbh Mela
In a letter dated February 2 3, 1974 and addressed to his childhood friend Tim Brown, Jobs expressed his desire to attend the Kumbh Mela, a grand Hindu pilgrimage and festival celebrated by millions. He wrote, “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.” The letter, closing with “Shanti, Steve Jobs,” provides a touching testament to his deep connection with Hindu philosophy and spirituality. It also includes a poignant note about Jobs having “cried many times,” offering a rare glimpse into his emotional depth.
The letter was recently auctioned for $500,321.50 (roughly Rs 4.32 crore).
Steve Jobs’ spiritual journey bought him to India when at Neem Karoli Ashram in Uttarakhand. While the saint has passed away years before his arrival, the teachings deeply influenced Jobs.
Steve Jobs’ final gift: Hindu Guru’s book
The Book — Autobiography of a Yogi written by Hindu guru Paramahansa Yogananda had a profound significance for Steve Jobs. As noted in Walter Isaacson’s biography, Jobs first read the book as a teenager, revisited it during his trip to India, and continued reading it annually. Such was the impact that his final gift to his friends was a copy of the book.
