Yakub Mathew has long been known as a global financial leader and transformational thinker, with a distinguished career of over three decades in banking and wealth management. An alumnus of the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi — where he also captained the basketball team — Mathew later pursued his MBA at the renowned Asian Institute of Management in Manila, shaping the foundation of his global outlook.

Yet, behind the polished boardrooms and financial success lies a deeply human story — one of resilience, grace, and spiritual seeking. “I’m not an author but an accidental writer — this book is truly a work of grace,” he shares in an exclusive conversation with Life and Style. His journey was far from easy. He lost his father at the age of three, and was raised by his mother — a young widow, cancer survivor, and teacher at St. Xavier’s School in Delhi — whose courage became his first lesson in strength.

Over the years, Mathew’s worldview was shaped by extraordinary individuals. He learned the power of love from Mother Teresa, whom he fondly calls a dear friend; the nuances of business from Nusli Wadia, a well-wisher; and the dimensions of politics and relationships from his mentor, L. K. Advani. But perhaps the deepest influence came from his uncle and role model, P. C. Alexander, who instilled in him the uncompromising importance of integrity.

A Spiritual Odyssey

Mathew’s new book, Seeking the Infinite, is a reflective and visually captivating chronicle of a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey undertaken with his wife, Shilpa, during the sacred Maha Kumbh Mela. What began as a celebration of his 60th birthday with Shilpa and 17 close friends slowly evolved into a profound inner exploration — one that ultimately inspired the creation of this book.

A Quest for Meaning

As the pilgrimage unfolded, Mathew and his companions found themselves drawn to timeless questions: Who am I? What is the nature of consciousness? What is the purpose of existence?

The book brings together reflections from more than fifty global thought leaders — spiritual masters, artists, entrepreneurs, scholars, and royals — each offering a unique insight into the Infinite and the way the Kumbh binds humanity to a larger truth.

Seeking the Infinite is both a memoir and a meditation, celebrating the unity of humanity, the quiet power of faith, and the timeless wisdom of India’s spiritual heritage.

A Global Launch with a Universal Message

The book is set to release in New York City on November 16, 2025, with blessings from Sadhguru and an assembly of global spiritual thinkers. In India, the launch will take place at the Jaipur Literary Festival on January 15, 2026, followed by a celebration in Delhi on March 1, 2026.

From there, the book will travel across the world — with releases planned in Dubai, London, Vatican City, and Washington DC in early 2026 — echoing its universal message of inner exploration.

“Life is a beautiful gift that must be lived in the moment — impactfully, joyfully, and meaningfully,” says Mathew, who continues to lead as Managing Director at Wells Fargo Advisors.

Seeking the Infinite is more than a book; it is an invitation — a gentle reminder that true wealth is not only found in markets, but within the depths of one’s own spirit.

As the sun dipped behind Gurugram’s shimmering skyline, Delhi’s nightlife awakened — vibrant, rhythmic, and electric. On November 8–9, India Cocktail Week (ICW) returned for its sixth edition, transforming DLF Cyber City’s Surface Parking into an immersive playground for cocktail enthusiasts, music lovers, and culture seekers.
This year, ICW celebrated India’s fast-growing cocktail renaissance with a dynamic Cocktail Village, where over 25 global and homegrown brands showcased their artistry through 150 inventive drinks. From timeless favourites like Bombay Sapphire, Absolut, and Bacardí to rising indie stars such as Cashmir Vodka, Pistola, and Zoya Gin, each pour echoed a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and creativity in mixology.

Adding a global buzz, some of Asia’s finest bars — Bar Trigona (Kuala Lumpur), Opium Bar (Bangkok), and Barc — hosted exclusive takeovers that brought world-class cocktail culture straight to Delhi. On the food front, the capital’s favourites — Good Flippin’ Burger, Aku’s Burgers, Torte, and Koyla Kebab — kept the celebration alive with flavour-packed bites.