Yakub Mathew, a global financial leader and transformational thinker, will unveil his debut book Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025 during the prestigious IAAC Literary Festival at The International House in New York City on Sunday, November 16, 2025, The landmark literary event will feature a distinguished panel of spiritual and cultural thought leaders, including Sadhguru, Diana Eck, Rabbi Scott Matous, The Very Reverend Winnie Varghese, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Guruji Sri Anish. The event will be moderated by the redoubtable Suhel Seth.

Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025 is a contemplative anthology of essays, dialogues, and reflections inspired by the Maha Kumbh 2025. More than a literary collection, the book serves as a living chronicle of spiritual encounters where diverse faith traditions converge in humility, and the sacred becomes a shared language. From riverside rituals to rooftop conversations, Mathew captures the Kumbh not as spectacle, but as a crucible of human yearning—for meaning, belonging, and transcendence.

“The Infinite is not a place to reach,” says Mathew in his profound reflection of the realities around us. “But a truth to remember – that within you lies a horizon without end.” Here, Mathew uncovers the transformative power and cultural significance of this ancient pilgrimage.

Reflecting on what prompted him to write the book, Mathew says, “In January 2025, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by embarking on a pilgrimage to Prayagraj for the once-in-144-years Maha Kumbh, where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet. Joined by my wife and seventeen dear friends from across the globe, the experience became a profound celebration of the completion of my 60th year and a spiritual journey that inspired deep reflection on life’s eternal questions. What began as a way to capture our memories soon evolved into this book, enriched by insights from over fifty renowned personalities across diverse fields. The Maha Kumbh reminded us that beyond faith and culture lies a shared divine essence, and through this work, we hope to spark interfaith harmony and inspire seekers everywhere to look within and seek the Infinite.”

Through stories of interfaith connection and quiet gestures of devotion, Seeking the Infinite invites readers to reflect on a central question: What does it mean to belong to the sacred in a fractured world? Whether seeker, scholar, or skeptic, readers will find in these pages a contemplative lens on India’s spiritual heartbeat—and the global soul it awakens.

The book has received blessings from some of the world’s most revered spiritual leaders, including The Dalai Lama, Sadhguru, Maharaj Avadheshanand Giri Ji, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and Maharaj Radhanath Swami Ji. Their blessings and the presence of global thought leaders at the launch underscore the book’s interfaith spirit and its resonance across traditions. The foreword is penned by three acclaimed voices—Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Muzaffar Ali, and Anupam Kher—whose reflections add depth and cultural insight to this multi-faith literary endeavor.

Tharoor, a member of the Indian Parliament, Sahitya Akademi Award winner, and former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his foreword states: “This coffee-table book is more than a collection of photographs; it is a window into the very essence — Mahima — of the Maha Kumbh. Here one finds the glowing fervor of a million lamps floating at dusk, the thunderous crescendo of horns announcing dawn’s first dip, and the profound stillness of a single pilgrim in silent communion. Each spread invites the reader to pause, to feel, and to remember that the search for the divine is both an inward journey and an outward celebration of our shared humanity.”

With over three and a half decades of experience across Citibank, HSBC, and Wells Fargo Advisors, Yakub is known for his purpose-driven leadership and cross-cultural vision. He is a graduate in Economics from Madras University, an undergraduate in Economics Honors from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila.

Seeking the Infinite marks a new chapter in Mathew’s journey—an exploration of faith, humility, and the shared human quest for the divine. Mathew’s book delves into the infinite possibilities of faith, connection, and transcendence. Mathew brings to his literary debut a rare blend of spiritual insight and global leadership.

Mathew says, “What began as a way to capture our memories soon evolved into this book, enriched by insights from over fifty renowned personalities across diverse fields. The Maha Kumbh reminded us that beyond faith and culture lies a shared divine essence, and through this work, we hope to spark interfaith harmony and inspire seekers everywhere to look within and seek the Infinite.”

While expressing his gratitude to those who contributed to the writing and publishing of this epic volume, Mathew says, “Happiness is best when it is shared, contentment is complete if it is passed on, and gratitude is best when it is expressed. So, this is my moment to thank all those who have believed in me over the years.”

The book is expected to resonate with readers across generations and geographies, offering a contemplative space for reflection and renewal. The evening promises a rare convergence of wisdom, culture, and inspiration.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM EST
Venue: International House, 500 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027
Admission: Free (advance registration required)
Registration Link: Eventbrite – Book Talk: Yakub Mathew

The event is free to attend, but seating is limited and expected to reach full capacity. Attendees are encouraged to confirm their seats as soon as possible via the Eventbrite link provided below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-yakub-mathew-on-seeking-the-infinite-maha-kumbh-2025-tickets-1718944181319

Details of the event and the book are also available at www.seekingtheinfinite.org

Global Spiritual Luminaries to Join Yakub Mathew for the Launch of Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025 at IAAC Literary Festival in New York City