Toronto: The Canada Literature Festival 2026 has recognized Indian-American author Yakub Mathew for his thought‑provoking book, Seeking the Infinite: Maha Kumbh 2025 about faith, philosophy and the inner journey, bestowing it the prestigious Creative Book of the Year Award. The accolade was presented on May 14, 2026 during the festival held in Brampton, Ontario, highlighting the work’s profound contribution to contemporary global literature and spiritual discourse.
.jpg)
Yakub Mathew with Ajaay Modi (center), Director of Canada Literature Festival. Inset: The book, ʻSeeking the Infinite: MahaKumbh 2025'.
At its core, the award reflects Canada Literature Festival (CLF)’s broader mission of celebrating storytelling that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. According to the festival’s narrative, “stories travel. They cross borders, languages, and generations, shaping how we see the world and each other.” This ethos is embodied in New York-based Mathew’s work, which merges personal experience with universal philosophical inquiry.
A work rooted in spiritual experience
Seeking the Infinite draws inspiration from the Maha Kumbh Mela of 2025 held in Prayag (Allahabad)—an event widely regarded as one of the largest spiritual gatherings in human history. The book is not merely a travelogue, but rather a reflective chronicle combining narrative, photography, and philosophical insights. It “chronicles a once‑in‑a‑lifetime spiritual journey” and transforms that experience into a broader meditation on existence, consciousness, and faith.
The work stands out because of its interdisciplinary and interfaith approach. It includes contributions and reflections from diverse thinkers representing various traditions, creating a tapestry of voices that collectively explore humanity’s enduring questions. As described in the festival literature, the book moves beyond conventional categories, presenting itself as a “meditation on faith, humanity, and the eternal questions that define us.”
Yakub Mathew with Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K Patnaik.
This approach aligns closely with the contemporary shift in global literature toward hybrid narratives that blend memoir, philosophy, and cultural observation.
Yakub Mathew’s journey to the Maha Kumbh in India was spontaneous yet transformative. As he explains, the journey led him and his companions to confront life’s most fundamental questions: “Who am I? What is the nature of consciousness? What is the purpose of existence?” These questions form the backbone of the narrative, transforming a travel experience into a universal exploration of meaning.
The CLF, organized by Indo-Canada Arts Council founded in 2014, recognized Mathew’s book not only for its artistic merit but also for its ability to foster dialogue across cultures. Seeking the Infinite resonates with global audiences because it addresses universal themes—identity, belonging, spirituality, and meaning—while situating them in a vividly experienced cultural context.
The author behind the work
Yakub Mathew’s background adds another compelling dimension to the narrative. A global financial professional with decades of experience and now Managing Director of Wells Fargo Advisors, New York, Mathew describes himself as an “accidental author,” whose journey into writing was inspired by deeply personal experiences. His transition from finance to literature reflects a broader trend in which professionals from diverse fields bring new perspectives into creative writing.
His engagement with the Maha Kumbh—a once‑in‑144‑years event—served as the catalyst for the book. The experience, shared with a group of friends from different religious and cultural backgrounds, evolved into a collaborative exploration of spirituality. This collective dimension is central to the book’s identity and partly explains its recognition at an international forum such as CLF.
Significance of the award
The Creative Book of the Year Award is an acknowledgment of both literary innovation and cultural impact. By honoring Mathew’s work, CLF highlights the growing importance of literature that bridges traditions and fosters mutual understanding. The recognition also reflects the increasing visibility of Indian diaspora voices in the global literary landscape.
At a time when global discourse often reflects division, Seeking the Infinite offers a counterpoint rooted in unity and introspection. The book invites readers to pause, reflect, and explore the “infinite within,” echoing themes that are both timeless and urgently relevant.
Importantly, the award underscores the relevance of spiritual and philosophical writing in contemporary times. In an era marked by rapid technological change and cultural fragmentation, works like Seeking the Infinite offer opportunities for reflection and dialogue. They encourage readers to engage with deeper questions about meaning and existence, while also celebrating diversity and interconnectedness.
Conclusion
Yakub Mathew’s recognition at CLF marks a significant milestone in his literary journey and in the broader field of global storytelling. His book exemplifies how personal narrative can evolve into a universal exploration, resonating with audiences across cultural and geographical divides.
As both the author and organizers suggest, the power of literature lies not merely in telling stories, but in enabling humanity to better understand itself—and perhaps, to move closer to the infinite. CLF continues to position itself as a “meeting point of cultures and conversations,” and Mathew’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of stories to unite and transform. The award not only celebrates a single book but also reaffirms the role of literature as a bridge between worlds—inviting readers everywhere to embark on their own journey in “seeking the infinite.”
(All photos courtesy: Yakub Mathew)
