As Maha Kumbh Mela came to an official close on 26 Feb 2025, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani shared his heartfelt experiences at the religious gathering. Excerpts from the English translation of his op-ed that appeared in Dainik Jagran.

“For me, this Maha Kumbh was full of spiritual experiences and in that, the experience of seva is the most valuable. I believe that seva for living beings is the best path towards God.Maha Kumbh gives us an opportunity to realise the spirit of ‘Tera Tujko Arpan’, where we can offer everything that we have received from our motherland to her. We were able to serve lakhs of devotees and we consider ourselves blessed.In reality, it is not the one who offers the seva, but the one who receives it gives us the opportunity to reach God. We are thankful to our brothers, sisters and the saints who we have had the privilege of serving.

This year, along with crores of devotees, I had the privilege of visiting Prayagraj with my family, witnessing Maa Ganga and being a part of the wonderful and unique gathering of Maha Kumbh.At Prayagraj, I felt as if the faith, spirit of seva and cultures of the entire world had converged in the lap of Maa Ganga. It is not just a religious event, but an experience that touches the soul.

During this Maha Kumbh, a special experiment was conducted in the Adani family. We gave our family members the option to apply online if they wanted to volunteer and offer their seva at Maha Kumbh. Within a few hours, thousands of members dedicated themselves to this sacred cause.As a result, more than 5,000 members of the Adani family have had the privilege of offering seva to the devotees and Kalpvasis.

This experience was not only a golden opportunity to offer seva but it also provided an opportunity for them to understand and learn about management, planning and coordination among various departments for such a huge event.Through an event like Kumbh, they learned practical lessons in management, leadership, crisis handling, and teamwork, which will make them not only better managers but also better human beings.

When I participated in ISKCON's Mahaprasad seva and the distribution of Aarti Sangrah in collaboration with Gita Press in Prayagraj, it was like becoming a part of a spiritual family.ISKCON, Gita Press and thousands of members of the Adani family together proved that ‘Seva is Sadhana’ (service is meditation).

I still remember that special moment when I was distributing Aarti Sangrah at the Gita Press camp near Lete Hanuman Temple in Prayagraj. An old lady, about 80 years of age, came through the crowd and blessed me by placing her hand on my head. What I felt at that moment was beyond words – a deep spiritual touch, which I will cherish throughout my life.For me, seva is not just an act, but a prayer that resonates in my heart - a prayer that always keeps me grounded in humility and dedication.

We were not alone in offering seva at the Maha Kumbh. The patience and dedication of everyone, including the saints and Kalpvasis, the administration, various institutions, sanitation workers, police force, was truly praiseworthy. It was their tapasya that facilitated this huge event. Their sensitivity and dedication made the experience of Maha Kumbh even more divine and grand.

This was not just an event, but a unique experience of seva for humanity. For us, the great festival of seva will always continue. It is my belief that seva hi sadhna he, seva hi prarthana he, aur seva hi parmatma he (service is meditation, service is prayer, and service is God).”

(Translated to English by Sweta Chatterjee)